The Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-101 on May 5, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Pistons, who had lost six consecutive Game 1s and faced a team that had previously dominated them in playoff matchups.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 23 points. Donovan Mitchell matched him with 23 points for the Cavaliers. James Harden contributed 22 points, while Tobias Harris added 20 points.
The game saw the Pistons establishing a commanding lead early on. They led by as much as 18 points in the first half. Cunningham and Jalen Duren connected for three straight dunks, helping the Pistons pull away.
The victory is particularly notable as the Cavaliers had won 11 straight playoff games against the Pistons before this matchup. The win gives Detroit a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series.
Key statistics from Game 1:
- Pistons scored: 111
- Cavaliers scored: 101
- Cade Cunningham: 23 points
- Donovan Mitchell: 23 points
- James Harden: 22 points
- Tobias Harris: 20 points
- Pistons’ largest lead: 18 points
- Pistons series lead: 1-0
The next game is scheduled for Thursday night in Detroit. Both teams are eager to gain momentum as they continue in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
