Pistons Hold Early Lead Over Cavaliers in Game 2 of East Semifinals
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DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons opened Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 25-18 first-quarter surge and remained in front 25-20 with 11:22 left in the second period on Thursday night, maintaining an 83 percent win probability, according to ESPN’s model.
Detroit, which entered the night up 1-0 in the best-of-seven series, shot 52 percent (11-for-21) in the opening 13 minutes and hit 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Cleveland connected on 37 percent of its attempts (7-for-19) and was 1-for-6 from three-point range.
Early statistical snapshot
Pistons
- Top scorer: Ausar Thompson, 8 points on 4-of-5 shooting
- Rebound leader: Cade Cunningham, 2 defensive boards
- Bench moves at start of second quarter: Duncan Robinson checked in for Isaiah Stewart; Keon Ellis replaced Dennis Schroder; Cunningham returned for Ronald Holland II
Cavaliers
- Top scorer: Donovan Mitchell, 8 points on 3-of-6, 2-for-2 at the line
- Rebound leader: Julian Tyson, 3 boards (2 defensive, 1 offensive)
- Evan Mobley picked up two early turnovers in nine minutes
Team context
Detroit finished the regular season 60-22 (31-9 at home), while Cleveland entered at 52-30 (25-16 on the road). The Pistons were 3.5-point favorites at tipoff, with the live line widening to 6.5 as Detroit kept control.
Injuries and officials
Cleveland guard Sam Merrill (hamstring) and Detroit guard Kevin Huerter (thigh) were both ruled out and are projected to be reevaluated by May 9. The officiating crew at Little Caesars Arena features Sean Corbin, Zach Zarba, Curtis Blair and Karl Lane.
The contest is streaming on Prime Video. The series shifts to Cleveland for Game 3 after tonight’s matchup.
Source: ESPN
