NBA Playoffs: Detroit and Oklahoma City Take Leads in Second-Round Series
On the night of May 6, two opening games of the second round of the NBA playoffs took place. Detroit defeated Cleveland 111-101 at home (23 points from Cunningham). Oklahoma City comfortably handled the Los Angeles Lakers (108-90), despite 27 points from LeBron James.
Here is an expanded summary of the start of the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Main Event
On the night of May 6, 2026, the second round of the NBA playoffs kicked off, and the first conference semifinal games lived up to expectations. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons earned a comeback victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-101 at Little Caesars Arena, while in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder convincingly beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-90. Both series began with home wins for the favorites, setting a high tone for the entire best-of-seven round.
Details and Statistics
In Detroit, the standout was point guard Cade Cunningham, who scored 23 points and dished 7 assists. He received significant support from Tobias Harris (20 points and 8 rebounds) and Duncan Robinson, who added 19 points. However, the game was far from easy for the hosts. Cleveland, led by former Houston player James Harden (22 points) and Max Strus (19 points), erased an 18-point deficit and tied the game midway through the fourth quarter at 93-93. At that critical moment, the Pistons responded with a decisive run. Guard Jalen Duren first blocked Harden's shot, then threw down three consecutive dunks off Cunningham's passes, allowing Detroit to regain a double-digit lead and close out the game. Notably, Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell also scored 23 points, but his historic streak of nine straight games with 30+ points in series openers came to an end.
In Oklahoma City, the Thunder seized control from the opening minutes, leaving the Lakers no chance. Thunder leader Chet Holmgren posted a powerful double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 18 points and 6 assists. Los Angeles stayed afloat solely thanks to the efforts of legendary LeBron James, who at 41 years old showed elite efficiency, scoring 27 points (12-of-17 from the field) and 6 assists. However, the rest of the Lakers' starters struggled. Guard Austin Reaves scored just 4 points, and Jared Vanderbilt had 2 points in 18 minutes. Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander failed to surpass the 20-point mark in a playoff game for the first time since May 2025, highlighting the Thunder's total team effort, with their bench outscoring the Lakers' reserves 34-15.
Context and Significance
Detroit's victory carries historical weight. The Pistons snapped a humiliating 12-game playoff losing streak against Cleveland, dating back to the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals. This success symbolizes a complete franchise reboot under coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who, ironically, was fired by Cleveland and then took over Detroit. The team that set a league record for consecutive losses (28) in the 2023-24 season has transformed into a powerhouse in the East in just two years, winning 60 regular-season games and earning the top seed.
For the Lakers, the 18-point loss in Oklahoma City is a wake-up call. Without injured center Luka Dončić, who missed the game due to an injury, the team's offense was too predictable and limited. LeBron James, despite playing otherworldly basketball, cannot single-handedly counter the Thunder's deep rotation, which is considered the championship favorite this season. Betting odds reflected the power balance: analysts gave Detroit a 3.5-point spread, and a potential $100 bet on a Cavaliers win would have paid $231.
What's Next / Upcoming Games
Both series continue on Thursday, May 7. Game 2 between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers will again be held in Detroit, starting at 7:00 PM local time. The Cavaliers must tie the series at all costs; otherwise, returning home down 0-2 would be nearly fatal. To do so, they need to find a way to contain the Cunningham-Harris duo. Later, at 9:30 PM ET, the Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center. The main question: can any of LeBron James's teammates besides Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes step up and challenge the league's best defense? If the blowout repeats, the series could end in four games, a huge disappointment for one of the league's most expensive franchises, with a payroll approaching $200 million.
— Editorial Team
