Pistons End 12-Game Playoff Losing Streak with 111-101 Win Over Cavaliers

The Pistons opened the second‑round series with a 10‑point victory, scoring 111 points on 48% shooting. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 23 points, while Tobias Harris added 20 and Duncan Robinson contributed 19.

Cleveland’s offense stalled after an early 18‑point deficit. Donovan Mitchell managed 23 points, ending his NBA‑record streak of nine consecutive series openers with 30 or more points. James Harden added 22 for the Cavs, and Max Staus chipped in 19.

The win also erased an NBA‑record‑tying 12‑game postseason losing streak against a single opponent, a run that began in the 2007 Eastern Conference finals. Prior to this game, Detroit had never beaten Cleveland in a playoff matchup.

Jarrett Allen, who posted 22 points and 19 rebounds in the previous elimination game, was limited to two points and three rebounds, highlighting Detroit’s defensive focus inside the paint.

The Pistons now hold a 1‑0 series lead and will host Game 2 on Thursday. Cleveland must respond quickly to avoid falling behind in a series that could swing on the next night’s adjustments.

What it means

Detroit’s balanced scoring and defensive clamp on Cleveland’s interior suggest a shift in the series dynamics. Mitchell’s streak ending may signal a reduced offensive ceiling for the Cavs, while the Pistons’ ability to break a long‑standing losing streak indicates a potential turning point in their postseason trajectory. Watch Thursday’s Game 2 for signs of whether Detroit can sustain the momentum and how Cleveland adapts without Mitchell’s typical output.