The Detroit Pistons staved off elimination again on Friday night, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to tie their Eastern Conference semifinal series at 3-3.
The victory marks Detroit’s fourth consecutive postseason win in do-or-die situations.
Young core delivers under pressure
Guard Cade Cunningham paced the Pistons with 21 points, seven assists and five three-pointers. Rookie forward Ausar Thompson filled the box score with 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block before fouling out, while center Jalen Duren contributed 13 points and nine boards.
Defense remains the backbone
Detroit leaned on its length and energy, limiting Cleveland to 94 points and disrupting passing lanes throughout the night. Former Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, now on the Pistons’ staff, said the group’s ability to “stay in the fight” has carried over from its first-round comeback against Orlando, when Detroit rallied from a 3-1 deficit.
All on the line Sunday
Game 7 is scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena, airing on Prime. The winner advances to the Eastern Conference finals; the loser heads into the offseason with lingering questions. Detroit will play in front of its home crowd, while Cleveland faces the pressure of a second straight early exit.
Source: Hoops Wire
