DETROIT (AP) — Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a season-high 32 points and the Detroit Pistons beat the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers 133-122 on Friday night to guarantee their first winning season since 2016. Detroit withstood a 38-point performance by Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, who scored 22 in the fourth quarter.
The Pistons (42-32) played without Cade Cunningham (calf) and were still able to end a 12-game losing streak against Cleveland. Dennis Schroder started for Cunningham and had 16 points and 10 assists. Jalen Duren added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Ausar Thompson contributed 18 points and 10 boards for Detroit, which failed to win 25 games in the last five seasons.
The Pistons have eight regular-season games remaining. With three more wins, Detroit could reach 45 victories for the first time since going 59-23 in 2007-08 — also the last season it won a playoff game.
Darius Garland had 21 points for Cleveland, which hadn’t lost to the Pistons since Feb. 24, 2022, when current Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff was in charge of the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers trailed 108-89 with 8:56 to play and closed within 119-117 on Mitchell’s 3-pointer with 3:31 left. Detroit answered with a 12-1 run to close out the win.
Key Moment: Hardaway had 10 points as the Pistons started the second half with a 13-4 run to take a 76-62 lead. The Pistons finished the quarter with a 38-25 advantage for an 18-point lead heading into the fourth.
Key Stat: The Pistons had a 25-6 advantage in fast-break points.
Up Next: Both teams play Monday. Cleveland hosts the Los Angeles Clippers, and Detroit is at Minnesota in the opener of a three-game trip.
The Pistons’ victory is a significant milestone for the franchise, marking their first winning season in nine years. The last time Detroit posted a winning record was in the 2015-16 season when they finished with a 44-38 record. The team has struggled in recent years, often finishing with fewer than 25 wins in the last five seasons, making this turnaround particularly noteworthy.
Detroit's performance against Cleveland was not only a testament to their growth but also showcased the depth of their roster. With All-Star Cade Cunningham sidelined due to a left calf contusion, the Pistons had to rely on their supporting cast to step up. Dennis Schroder filled in admirably, contributing significantly both in scoring and playmaking.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, despite the loss, are still on the verge of achieving a remarkable feat themselves. They are just one victory away from securing their first 60-win season since 2009-10, which speaks volumes about their consistency and talent this season.
As the Pistons look ahead, they have an opportunity to build on this momentum. With eight games left in the season, the team is keen on not only finishing strong but also aiming for a playoff spot, which would be a significant achievement after years of rebuilding.
The matchup against the Cavaliers was intense, with both teams displaying their offensive prowess. The Pistons’ ability to maintain composure in the closing moments of the game was crucial. After allowing Cleveland to close the gap to just two points late in the fourth quarter, Detroit’s response with a decisive run demonstrated their growth under pressure.
As fans celebrated the victory at Little Caesars Arena, the atmosphere was electric, marking a turning point for a franchise that has longed for success. The Pistons' fans have endured tough seasons, and this victory against a top-tier team like Cleveland is a welcome sign of better days ahead.
Looking forward, the Pistons will need to continue this level of play, especially with their next games against formidable opponents. The upcoming matchup against Minnesota will be a test of their resolve and depth, especially without their star player, Cunningham.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for the Clippers. Despite the setback against Detroit, their season has been impressive, and they remain a strong contender in the Eastern Conference.
As the regular season winds down, the stakes are high for both teams. For the Pistons, every game is an opportunity to solidify their newfound success and potentially make a playoff push. For the Cavaliers, the focus will be on maintaining their position at the top of the conference and securing home-court advantage in the playoffs.
In conclusion, the Pistons' victory over the Cavaliers not only signifies a momentous occasion for the franchise but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the regular season. Fans and players alike are eager to see how the final games unfold as both teams strive for their respective goals.
