The Detroit Pistons snapped a 12-game playoff losing streak against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a decisive 111-101 victory in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Detroit’s stifling defense disrupted Cleveland’s offensive flow, forcing a combined 10 turnovers from James Harden and Donovan Mitchell. Harden finished with 22 points and Mitchell added 23, but it was Cade Cunningham who took control, leading the Pistons with 23 points and seven assists.
Tobias Harris provided strong support with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Jalen Duren recorded a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds, making crucial plays down the stretch.
Playing in front of an energized home crowd, Detroit appeared sharper physically after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against the Orlando Magic in the first round.
“We have to defend our home court,” Cunningham said. “We didn’t do that in the last series. This was a great team win—everyone put in the effort.”
The Pistons dominated most of the game, leading by as many as 18 points and holding a 93-82 advantage with nine minutes left. However, Harden sparked a Cavaliers comeback with nine straight points, tying the game. Duren then delivered a massive block on the veteran guard and followed with three consecutive dunks to seal the win for Detroit.
Before Tuesday night, Cleveland had won 12 straight playoff games against the Pistons, eliminating them in series in 2007, 2009, and 2016 when LeBron James led the Cavaliers.