The Detroit Pistons took a 2-0 lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their second-round series in the playoffs after notching a convincing win in Game 2, 107-97, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.
The Pistons employed a balanced attack, led by Cade Cunningham, who had 25 points on 7-of-14 shooting, three rebounds, 10 assists, and two blocks.
As they have done throughout the season, the Pistons were locked in on defense, limiting the Cavaliers to just two field goals in the last five minutes. Cleveland only shot 42% from the field, including 7-of-32 from three-point range.
Cunningham stressed that they are defined by their defense, as shown in the video posted by MLive's Jacob Richman.
“That side of the ball wins us games. That’s our identity, and we want to impose ourselves in all four quarters. But in winning time, we gotta be locked in, we gotta execute,” said the two-time All-Star.
“I thought we did a pretty good job tonight. They (Cavaliers) had a couple of runs that we wish we had stopped earlier, but for the most part, we did a great job defensively.”
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The Pistons held the Cavs to 2 makes in the final 5 minutes tonight and 3 makes in the final 5 in Game 1.
Cade Cunningham on the team’s defensive effort down the stretch:
“That side of the ball wins us games. That’s our identity and we want to impose ourselves…” pic.twitter.com/mCqQOSscwY
— Jacob Richman (@JacobHRichman) May 8, 2026
The Pistons take pride in making life difficult for their opponent, and it sure felt that way for the Cavaliers, who are just averaging 99 points in the best-of-seven affair.
Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff, meanwhile, saluted Daniss Jenkins and Ron Holland II for continuing to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
The Pistons will look to extend their five-game winning streak in Game 3 at Rocket Arena on Saturday.
The Detroit Pistons took a 2-0 lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their second-round series in the playoffs after notching a convincing win in Game 2, 107-97, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday. The Pistons employed a balanced attack, led by Cade Cunningham, who had 25 points on 7-of-14 shooting, three rebounds, 10 assists, and two blocks.