Pistons Stun Cavaliers With 133-122 Victory

In a thrilling showdown at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons stunned the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 133-122 victory on March 28, 2025. This win marked a significant milestone for the Pistons, clinching their first winning season since 2015-16 and ending a 12-game losing streak against the Cavaliers.

Tim Hardaway Jr. was the star of the night, scoring a season-high 32 points, including seven three-pointers. His explosive performance helped propel the Pistons (42-32) to a hard-fought victory against the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers (59-15), who were unable to maintain their momentum despite a late-game surge.

The Pistons, missing key players Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris due to injuries, showcased their depth and resilience. Ausar Thompson contributed significantly with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, while Malik Beasley added 19 points. Dennis Schröder also played a crucial role, recording 17 points and 10 assists. Jalen Duren rounded out the scoring with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

In the first quarter, the Pistons jumped out to an early lead, with Hardaway scoring 11 quick points. By the end of the first quarter, Detroit led 31-26. The momentum continued into the second quarter, where the Pistons regained control after the Cavaliers briefly took a lead with an 11-0 run.

Hardaway and Thompson sparked a 14-4 run late in the first half, putting the Pistons back on top with a 63-58 halftime score. The duo combined for 19 points by halftime, establishing a solid foundation for the second half.

As the third quarter unfolded, Hardaway continued to shine, scoring 10 consecutive points early in the period, helping the Pistons extend their lead to 71-61. The Pistons dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Cavaliers 38-23 and pushing their lead to as much as 21 points.

Despite the commanding lead, the Cavaliers mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter. Donovan Mitchell, who led all scorers with 38 points, found his rhythm, scoring 22 points in the final period. Darius Garland also contributed with 21 points and six assists.

With just over three minutes left in the game, the Cavaliers cut the Pistons' lead to just two points at 119-117, thanks to a pair of crucial three-pointers from Mitchell and Garland. However, the Pistons responded decisively, going on a 12-1 run to secure the victory. Beasley drew a three-point foul and converted all three free throws, while Schröder added a three-pointer and a mid-range jumper to help solidify the win.

Thompson capped off the run with a steal and dunk, extending the lead to 131-118 with just over a minute remaining. The Pistons' defense, which ranked third in the NBA over the past 15 games, was instrumental in their success, forcing the Cavaliers into 15 turnovers that led to 25 fast break points.

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson expressed disappointment in his team's performance, stating, "We were kind of on our heels. The game plan was to take away the paint. Limit turnovers. Win the rebounding game. You give the instructions, and you either do it or don’t. We didn’t. They imposed their will. They imposed their identity. That’s why you come out with the L.”

The Cavaliers struggled with rebounding, allowing 16 offensive rebounds and 24 second-chance points to the Pistons. Atkinson acknowledged that the turnovers were a significant issue, stating, "When you turn it over to the other team, it’s probably the worst possible outcome. Because they get out in transition... I felt like we turned it over and it was a layup drill.”

With this victory, the Pistons not only secured their first winning season in nine years but also became the second team in NBA history to triple their win total year-over-year, joining the 2011-12 to 2012-13 Bobcats who went from 7 wins to 21 wins.

The Pistons' impressive performance comes as they look to build momentum heading into the playoffs, while the Cavaliers will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Rocket Arena.

Overall, the Pistons' victory over the Cavaliers serves as a testament to their growth and determination, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the season.