Pistons Force Game 7 After Stifling Cavaliers in Cleveland
pistons-force-game-7-after-stifling-cavaliers-in-cleveland
The Detroit Pistons avoided elimination with a 108-92 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, evening the Eastern Conference semifinal series at 3-3 and setting up a decisive Game 7 on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena.
“They just don’t quit,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, crediting his club’s resilience after a late collapse in Game 5. Detroit limited Cleveland to 29% shooting after halftime and 39% overall to pull away in the second half.
Bench lifts Detroit
Reserves Marcus Sasser, Paul Reed and Caris LeVert combined for 34 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Sasser, previously out of the rotation, logged 18 minutes and posted a plus-27. “We have so much depth,” Bickerstaff noted. “Guys like Sass have proven that when their number is called, they’re prepared.”
Duren responds to criticism
All-Star center Jalen Duren delivered 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks—matching his total from the first five games. “My confidence never wavered,” Duren said. “I’m playing my best basketball when I’m assertive.”
Team embraces underdog role
Guard Daniss Jenkins pointed to the roster’s collective mindset. “We just want to defy all the odds,” he said. “We know it’s us against the world.”
Looking ahead to Detroit
Cade Cunningham expects a raucous atmosphere for Game 7. “It’s gonna be a madhouse in there,” the guard said of the home crowd. “They want to insert themselves in the game, so it’s gonna be a fun environment.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
