Detroit Pistons Dominate Cavaliers Again, Take Commanding 2-0 Series Lead
CLEVELAND — The Detroit Pistons tightened their grip on their second-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a hard-fought 107-97 victory Thursday night. Led by a stellar performance from Cade Cunningham, the Pistons now hold a 2-0 advantage as the series shifts to Cleveland for Game 3 on Saturday.
Cunningham Shines in Playoff Showdown
Cunningham, Detroit’s rising star, delivered a masterful performance with 25 points and 10 assists, orchestrating the offense with poise. Veteran forward Tobias Harris added 21 points, while sharpshooter Duncan Robinson contributed 17, sinking five three-pointers. The Pistons’ bench also stepped up, with Daniss Jenkins providing a crucial 14-point spark.
“We’re going to keep swinging,” Jenkins said postgame. “We’re still trying to prove something to ourselves.”
Cavaliers Struggle from Deep
Despite a valiant 31-point effort from Donovan Mitchell and a bounce-back 22-point night from Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers faltered when it mattered most. Cleveland shot a dismal 7-for-32 from beyond the arc, including an 0-for-11 fourth-quarter collapse. Max Strus, who had 19 points in Game 1, was held to just three.
“We just wear on you,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “That’s our objective.”
Cleveland briefly took an 81-79 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Detroit responded with a decisive 11-2 run, capped by Cunningham’s clutch three-pointer with 2:12 remaining.
Missed Opportunities for Cleveland
The Cavaliers’ struggles extended beyond poor shooting. James Harden had a forgettable night, scoring just 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting and committing four turnovers. Meanwhile, the absence of reserve guard Sam Merrill (hamstring injury) further depleted Cleveland’s rotation.
“I don’t know what it is with the start of games,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson admitted. “They came out super aggressive, but it’s the playoffs. We still haven’t figured that out.”
Pistons Riding Playoff Momentum
Detroit has now won five straight games since narrowly avoiding elimination in the first round against Orlando. Their suffocating defense and balanced scoring have made them a tough out, even as underdogs.
The Cavaliers, who swept Toronto in the opening round, now face a must-win Game 3 at home. If they can’t solve Detroit’s defensive schemes, their season could be on the brink.
— Reported by Nexio News
