Pistons Snap 12‑Game Playoff Curse Over Cavaliers as Thunder Remain Undefeated

TL;DR: The Detroit Pistons broke a 12‑game playoff losing streak to the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 111‑101 win, and the Oklahoma City Thunder kept a 5‑0 playoff record despite missing All‑Star forward Jalen Williams.

Context Detroit’s losing streak to Cleveland dated back to the 2007 Eastern Conference finals and stood as the longest such run against a single opponent in NBA history. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell had entered the game with a streak of nine straight series openers scoring 30 or more points.

Key Facts Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 23 points, Tobias Harris added 20, and Duncan Robinson contributed 19 as the Pistons topped the Cavaliers 111‑101. Mitchell finished with 23 points, ending his 30‑plus‑point streak. In the West, Chet Holmgren posted 24 points and 12 rebounds, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Ajay Mitchell each scored 18, and the Thunder defeated the Lakers 108‑90 to improve to 5‑0, all without injured All‑Star forward Jalen Williams.

What It Means The Pistons’ victory shifts momentum in a series where Cleveland had held a psychological edge for over a decade. For the Thunder, maintaining a perfect start underscores depth and resilience, especially with key players sidelined. Looking ahead, Detroit will look to build on its Game 1 success in Thursday’s Game 2, while Oklahoma City aims to extend its winning streak as the Lakers seek adjustments without Luka Dončić.