The Detroit Pistons went to the locker room with a 59-46 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers at halftime of Tuesday’s Game 1 at Little Caesars Arena.
Detroit forced 10 Cavaliers turnovers in the opening two quarters, converting several of those mistakes into transition points to establish an early cushion. Cleveland guards James Harden and Donovan Mitchell were responsible for three giveaways each.
Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 14 first-half points, marking his most productive stretch of the postseason. No other Cleveland player reached double figures before the break.
Foul trouble added to the Cavaliers’ problems, as center Jarrett Allen picked up three fouls before intermission. Forward Evan Mobley also struggled to gain traction inside against Detroit’s front line.
On the injury front, reserve guard Sam Merrill exited with a hamstring issue and was listed as questionable to return. Rookie Keon Ellis logged additional minutes in Merrill’s absence.
The Pistons’ control of the glass, their success in loose-ball situations and their efficiency in turning defense into offense set the tone throughout the half.
Source: Hoops Wire
