Pistons force Game 7 with 115-94 Game 6 rout of Cavaliers

Detroit kept its season alive on May 15 with a 115-94 win over Cleveland in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The result tied the series 3-3 and sent it to a deciding Game 7, according to NBA.com. Daniss Jenkins scored 15 points for the Pistons, and Detroit shot 52% from the field while building a lead that reached 22 points. Cleveland managed 94 points after scoring 45 in the first quarter and 49 across the final three periods combined, according to game statistics and recaps. ### How did Detroit take control of an elimination game? Detroit outscored Cleveland 30-19 in the third quarter and 31-24 in the fourth after a tight first half. The Pistons led 54-51 at halftime, then widened the margin with better shooting and more balanced scoring, according to the game log and box score. (fanduel.com) Cade Cunningham scored 21 points and had eight assists, while Jalen Duren added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Paul Reed scored 17 points off the bench, Duncan Robinson added 14, and Jenkins finished with 15 points in 31 minutes, giving Detroit six players in double figures. (fantasyteamadvice.com) ### What numbers defined Cleveland’s loss? Cleveland shot 30-for-78 from the field, or 38%, and finished with 15 assists against 19 turnovers, according to the box score. The Cavaliers were also outscored 48-26 in the paint and never led by more than six points. James Harden led Cleveland with 23 points, while Donovan Mitchell scored 18 points on 6-for-20 shooting and Evan Mobley added 18. (freep.com) Dean Wade scored three points, and Dennis Schroder went scoreless in 15 minutes. ### Why did Jenkins stand out in this game? FanDuel’s postgame recap highlighted Jenkins’ 15 points in the win, a notable total for a guard who entered Game 6 with a lower scoring profile. (fantasyteamadvice.com) He made 5 of 11 shots, including 3 of 7 from three-point range, and did not commit a turnover. Detroit also got nine points from Marcus Sasser and late production from its second unit, which helped keep the lead intact when Cleveland tried to cut the margin in the second half. The Pistons’ bench combined for 48 points, according to the box score. ### Where does the series stand now? (fanduel.com) The series is tied 3-3 after Cleveland won Games 3, 4 and 5 to erase Detroit’s 2-0 lead, according to NBA.com’s playoff schedule page. Game 6 reversed that run and extended the matchup to a seventh game. NBA.com’s updated playoff schedule lists Game 7 for Sunday, May 17, at 8 p.m. (fantasyteamadvice.com) ET, with Cleveland at Detroit on Prime Video. The winner will advance to the Eastern Conference finals against New York, according to the same schedule page. ### What comes next on May 17? Sunday’s Game 7 will decide whether Detroit completes its recovery from a 3-2 series deficit or Cleveland closes out the matchup after failing in its first chance on May 15. (nba.com) NBA.com lists the game as Cleveland at Detroit, and the conference finals matchup with New York will follow for the winner.