Pistons Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Cavaliers as Cunningham Posts 25 Points, 10 Assists

TL;DR The Detroit Pistons lead the Eastern Conference semifinals 2-0 after a 107-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Cade Cunningham contributing 25 points and 10 assists.

Context The Pistons have won five straight games since escaping elimination in the first round. Cleveland swept Toronto 4-0 to reach this series but has struggled offensively in Game 2. Detroit’s coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the team aims to "wear on you" and keep swinging.

Key Facts Cade Cunningham finished with 25 points and 10 assists, leading Detroit’s balanced attack. The Cavaliers missed every one of their 11 three-point attempts in the fourth quarter, a stretch that saw Max Strus go 0-for-4 from deep. Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points for Cleveland, while James Harden was limited to 10 points on 10-of-13 shooting with four turnovers.

What It Means Detroit’s early‑quarter leads (11 points after the first, 14 after the second) set the tone, and Cleveland’s inability to hit from beyond the arc in the final period erased any chance of a comeback. The Pistons’ strategy of sustained pressure appears to be paying off, forcing turnovers and limiting second‑chance opportunities. Cleveland will need to improve its perimeter shooting and reduce turnovers if it hopes to extend the series.

Watch for Game 3 on Saturday in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will look to adjust their shooting and the Pistons will try to maintain their defensive wear‑down approach.