Pistons strike first, defeat Cavaliers in Eastern semifinal opener

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on May 5, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

DETROIT — No team wants a playoff series to go the distance of seven games. Not only can it take a lot out of a team in terms of energy, but the quick turnaround also leaves no time to prepare for the next opponent. For the Detroit Pistons, coach J.B. Bickerstaff understands how grueling a seven-game series can be. However, similar to how the Pistons have handled each problem they have faced during his two-year tenure, Bickerstaff decided to use it to the team’s advantage.

Two days after leading the Pistons to their first postseason victory in 18 years, Detroit used the lessons learned from the first round to take a 111-101 Game 1 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night inside Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinals series 1-0.

"I think all the experiences that we go through, as we continue to grow into the team that we finally want to be, are great for us," Bickerstaff said.

"I know being three [games] down isn’t where you want to be, but it was great for us to understand what we needed to do in order to play in elimination games – one at home, then on the road – then get to a Game 7. Those are all experiences you don’t get unless you go through them. Learning what you need to do to win a playoff series is extremely important. So, great experience for us overall."

Two key points stood out from the Pistons' series opener against the Cavaliers. First, they made a strong start by delivering their best first quarter of the postseason. Second, despite a few minor mistakes, the Pistons played a complete 48-minute game.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 23 points and seven assists. Duncan Robinson added 19 points on 5-of-8 shooting from behind the arc, while Tobias Harris finished with 20 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Duren made a significant impact in the fourth quarter, scoring six consecutive points after James Harden (22 points) tied the game at 93. He finished with 11 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

With his brother, Amen Thompson, watching from the sideline, Ausar Thompson put on a show with 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 23 points, two assists and four rebounds. Max Strus added 19 points off the bench. Evan Mobley contributed with 14 points and nine rebounds.

____