Playing without All-Star Cade Cunningham against a team that had beaten them in 12 straight games, the Detroit Pistons (42-32) almost blew a 19-point lead. Then they locked down the Cleveland Cavaliers in the final four minutes.
On Friday, Detroit had a 19-point lead with nine minutes to go when Donovan Mitchell caught fire, and the Cavaliers (59-15) went on a 30-11 run. But after Mitchell hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to two, the Pistons responded with a 12-1 run and held on to win 133-122.
The Pistons got help from some missed free throws by the Cavaliers, but they shone offensively down the stretch, scoring in a variety of ways. Malik Beasley drew a three-shot foul. Dennis Schroder hit two jumpers. And Ausar Thompson hammered down two big dunks, causing the Cavaliers to clear their bench with 1:11 to go.
It was a big win for multiple reasons. Detroit clinched a winning season with its 42nd win, their first since 2016. The Pistons defeated the Cavaliers for the first time since February 24, 2022, breaking the NBA’s third-longest losing streak against a single opponent. For two teams that could easily meet in the second round of the playoffs, it’s a confidence-building moment for the young Pistons.
Detroit still has a long way to go. It has the NBA’s third-hardest schedule the rest of the way. There’s uncertainty about Cunningham’s injury. The team could finish anywhere between fourth and sixth in the East.
Still, they took a huge step towards avoiding the New York Knicks in the first round and proving that they can play with anyone in the league. What could have been a heartbreaking blown lead turned into a signature win, that broke an embarrassing streak.
