The Detroit Pistons made a powerful statement in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-101 on Tuesday night. Cade Cunningham led the charge with 23 points, while veteran forward Tobias Harris added 20, helping the top-seeded Pistons snap an NBA record-tying 12-game postseason losing streak against the Cavaliers—a drought stretching back to the 2007 Eastern Conference finals.
The Pistons came out firing, building an 18-point lead before the Cavaliers mounted a furious comeback. Duncan Robinson chipped in 19 points for Detroit, whose balanced attack proved too much down the stretch. Cleveland tied the game midway through the fourth quarter, but the Pistons responded with composure, closing strong to secure the win.
For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points, but it wasn't enough to extend his remarkable streak of scoring 30-plus points in nine consecutive series openers. James Harden contributed 22 points and Max Strus added 19, but the Cavs struggled to contain Detroit's offensive flow. Cleveland center Jarrett Allen was held to just two points and three rebounds—a stark contrast from his 22-point, 19-rebound performance in the play-in elimination game against Toronto.
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder also took Game 1 of their semifinal series, dominating the Los Angeles Lakers 118-95. Chet Holmgren posted a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell each added 18 points. The defending champions improved to 5-0 in the playoffs despite missing 2025 All-Star Jalen Williams due to a left hamstring injury.
The Lakers struggled without scoring champion Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined for a month with the same injury. LeBron James led Los Angeles with 27 points and Rui Hachimura added 18, but Austin Reaves—who averaged 23.3 points during the regular season—was held to just eight points on 3-for-16 shooting.
As the playoffs heat up, both series promise more drama. The Pistons look to build on their momentum, while the Cavaliers and Lakers will need adjustments to bounce back in Game 2.