The Cleveland Cavaliers will have to come from behind if they’re going to get past the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Cleveland looked out of sorts for much of the night, falling behind early and struggling to recover as they dropped Game 1 by a final score of 111-101.
The turnovers were, once again, a difference-maker. Cleveland turned the ball over 19 times, and the Pistons converted those into 31 points. James Harden alone had seven turnovers, marking the third time this postseason that he has had more turnovers than made shots.
Despite the struggles, Harden kept Cleveland in the game until the fourth quarter to tie the team, but couldn’t stop the Pistons’ late surge. Harden finished with 22 points, making nine free throws. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 23 points, while Max Strus and Evan Mobley also finished in double figures. Cleveland will look to tie the series in Game 2 on Thursday night. The series will then shift to Cleveland on Saturday.
As for the Pistons, entering this series, they knew that one of their opponent’s biggest strengths was their high-octane offense. They suffocated Cleveland with their stingy defense, taking away time and space at both ends of the floor through excellent defensive possessions. While all the starters scored in double figures, they also had almost four players finish in double figures in rebounds.
Cade Cunningham led the scorers with 23 points, while Tobias Harris had 20 points and Duncan Robinson added 19. Meanwhile, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson combined for 22 points. They played with much more aggression, and they were rewarded with a win. They will be looking to execute the same game plan to take a 2-0 lead.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons Injury Reports
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
The Cavaliers could be without a key rotational guard, as Sam Merrill is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Merrill left early in Game 1 and did not return, and he does not yet have a definitive timeline.
Detroit Pistons Injury Report
As for the Pistons, Kevin Huerter continues to carry the questionable tag with an adductor injury. He has missed the last four games with the same issue.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons Starting Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup
PG: James Harden, SG: Donovan Mitchell, SF: Max Strus, PF: Evan Mobley, C: Jarrett Allen
Detroit Pistons Starting Lineups
PG: Cade Cunningham | SG: Duncan Robinson | SF: Ausar Thompson | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Jalen Duren
How to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons?
The Eastern Conference Semifinals showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday at Little Caesars Arena. The matchup will not have regular national television coverage, as it will only be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video.
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