Cade Cunningham poured in 23 points as the top-seeded Detroit Pistons held off a fierce second-half surge from the Cleveland Cavaliers to claim a 111-101 victory in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semi-final series on Tuesday. The win gives the Pistons a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven matchup, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.

Detroit looked unstoppable in the first half, building a commanding 17-point lead in the third quarter behind crisp ball movement and stifling defense. But the Cavaliers, known for their resilience, refused to back down. A spirited rally in the second half cut the deficit to just four points, putting the Pistons on edge. However, Detroit regained its composure in the fourth quarter, pulling away to secure the win and protect home court at Little Caesars Arena.

Cunningham was the engine of the Pistons' offense, but he had plenty of help. Tobias Harris added 20 points, while Duncan Robinson caught fire from beyond the arc, draining five three-pointers en route to 19 points. Daniss Jenkins provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, and Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren each chipped in 11 points, showcasing Detroit's depth and balance.

For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 23 points, including four three-pointers, while James Harden stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Despite the loss, the Cavaliers proved they can hang with the league's best, setting up a compelling Game 2.

"It was a great team win—defending the ball, rebounding the ball," Cunningham said after the game. "We've got a great system in place. You've got somebody that will come in behind you whenever you get tired. But it's one win. We've got to come back and do it again."

The Pistons are no strangers to playoff drama. They battled back from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic in the first round, and Cunningham is determined not to let history repeat itself. "At home, you've got to protect home court. We didn't do that in the last series, so we want to do that this series," he said. "They want to come in and steal one, so we've got to do this again the day after tomorrow."

As the series shifts to Game 2, the Pistons will look to replicate their balanced attack and defensive intensity, while the Cavaliers aim to even the score. For now, Detroit fans have plenty to cheer about—and a reason to stock up on Pistons gear to show their support for this gritty squad.