The Detroit Pistons seized control of Game 1 in their conference semifinal matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 111-101 in a battle that was decided at the rim. The story of the night? A dominant performance from Pistons center Jalen Duren, who ran wild while the Cavs' interior defense was left scrambling.

The Cavaliers entered the game riding high after Jarrett Allen's heroics in Game 7 of the first round, where his explosive third quarter helped eliminate the Toronto Raptors. But the bat signal went unanswered in Detroit. Allen found himself in immediate foul trouble, picking up three personal fouls in the first quarter alone. That early exit forced him to the bench, and the Cavs never recovered their rhythm.

When Allen returned, the pattern repeated. A fourth foul in the third quarter sent him back to the sideline, leaving Cleveland without its defensive anchor. Without Allen patrolling the paint, Duren took full advantage, controlling the boards and finishing strong around the basket. The Pistons' young big man was a force on both ends, helping Detroit build a lead that the Cavs could never fully erase.

For Cleveland, the loss highlights a glaring weakness: when Allen is out, the rim protection disappears. The Cavs will need to find answers quickly if they hope to even the series. As for the Pistons, they sent a clear message in Game 1—this is a team that knows how to capitalize on an opponent's weakness.