"King James" produced one of the best displays in play-off history

The Cavaliers now lead the series 3-2 and are just one win away from a surprise first appearance in the NBA finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

In a remarkable display, James scored the Cavs' last 25 points, including the game-winning score with 2.2 secs to go.

Richard Hamilton top-scored for the Pistons with 26 points.

"I have always told (my team-mates) that if they can get me even close to win the game, I am going to do my best to do that, and we accomplished that in this game," said James.

"We played so hard. I just didn't want it to slip away."

Chauncey Billups, who ended with 20 points, had a chance to win the game for Detroit after James' final basket but missed his shot.

The Pistons had a six-point lead with three minutes to go in regulation time but James' dunk with nine seconds left sent the game into overtime.

We've got one goal - that's to get into the finals LeBron James

Cleveland went four points clear in the first extra period before free throws by Rasheed Wallace and Billups forced a second overtime.

Webber put Detroit on top 107-104 with a field goal and a free throw with 1:28 remaining but James drilled a three-pointer to level the score and then got the game-winner.

The sixth game of the series is in Cleveland on Saturday.

San Antonio clinched the Western Conference with a 109-84 win over Utah in Texas on Wednesday.

The victory gave the Spurs a 4-1 series triumph and passage to their fourth NBA finals in eight years.

Tim Duncan and Tony Parker each scored 21 points as San Antonio surged ahead early in the game and held on for a comfortable win.

"Our first quarter was unbelievable," said France's Parker, one of three San Antonio players to reach double figures in the first half.

"I can't remember, since I've been with the Spurs, shooting the ball like that. Our offence was great, our defence was great."