The Detroit Pistons have made an impressive comeback. Led by Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schröder, they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 133-122. Detroit not only secured their first win against the Cavs since 2022, but also their first positive season record since 2016.
Detroit started the game focused and took control early, even without their injured star center Cade Cunningham. They put Cleveland under pressure with aggressive defense and fast transition play. The Pistons were particularly accurate in the first half and were able to build a solid 63-58 lead by the break.
The decisive run followed after half-time: the Pistons extended their lead to 76:62 with a 13:4 run. Tim Hardaway Jr. (32 points, 7 3PM) scored almost at will during this phase and made an impression with a three. Jalen Duren (16 points, 13 rebounds) also dominated in the paint, while Dennis Schröder (17 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds) cleverly directed the game.
But Cleveland was not beaten. Donovan Mitchell took command in the final quarter and, with 22 of his total of 38 points, almost single-handedly ensured a comeback. With a 30:11 run, the Cavaliers fought their way back to 119:117. When Mitchell cut the deficit to two points with a three, the game threatened to tip.
But Detroit kept their cool. A 12:1 run in the final three minutes decided the game. Malik Beasley provoked a foul on a three, Schröder made two important shots, and Ausar Thompson put the final point on the board with two thunderous dunks.
Detroit Pistons: A victory with a signal effect
This win has multiple meanings for Detroit. For one thing, it ended a 12-game losing streak against Cleveland. Secondly, with their 42nd win of the season, the Pistons have secured their first positive record in eight years. With eight games remaining, three more wins could even see them break the 45-win mark for the first time since 2008.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, missed out on an important step towards a 60-win season. Despite Mitchell’s strong performance and 21 points from Darius Garland, they lacked the necessary composure in the end.
