The Detroit Pistons continued their impressive Eastern Conference campaign with a gritty 114-110 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena, further reinforcing their status as one of the most consistent teams in the conference. In a game packed with momentum swings, individual brilliance, and late-game drama, Detroit showcased composure and execution to hold off a Cavaliers side that fought relentlessly until the final possession.
With the victory, Detroit improved to 26-9 on the season and strengthened their dominance at the top of the Eastern standings. Cleveland, now 20-17, showed flashes of elite offense behind Donovan Mitchell but could not fully overcome Detroit’s efficiency from three-point range and perfect performance at the free-throw line.
The Pistons used a massive second quarter surge, strong perimeter shooting, and Cade Cunningham’s steady leadership to build and protect their advantage in one of the most entertaining matchups of the season.
Key Cleveland Cavaliers Vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats
| Category | Detroit Pistons | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 114 | 110 |
| Field Goals | 39-95 | 35-80 |
| Field Goal % | 41% | 44% |
| Three Pointers | 15-40 | 14-42 |
| Three Point % | 38% | 33% |
| Free Throws | 21-21 | 26-30 |
| Free Throw % | 100% | 87% |
| Total Rebounds | 45 | 44 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 14 | 11 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 31 | 33 |
| Assists | 25 | 23 |
| Steals | 11 | 11 |
| Blocks | 9 | 10 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 17 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 21 | 17 |
| Fast Break Points | 19 | 16 |
| Points In The Paint | 40 | 30 |
| Fouls | 24 | 18 |
| Technical Fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Largest Lead | 13 | 9 |
| Percent Led | 63% | 32% |
| Attendance | 19,432 | 19,432 |
| Venue | Rocket Arena | Rocket Arena |
| Records | 26-9 | 20-17 |
Game Flow And Scoring Breakdown
The opening quarter belonged to Cleveland, who jumped out to a 28-19 lead behind aggressive shot-making and quick ball movement. Detroit struggled to find rhythm early, missing open looks and committing turnovers that gave Cleveland easy transition points.
Everything changed in the second quarter. Detroit erupted for 47 points, flipping the game completely. That offensive explosion was the defining stretch of the contest and allowed the Pistons to take a commanding halftime lead. Cleveland regrouped in the third quarter, trimming the margin, but Detroit never fully surrendered control.
Quarter-by-quarter scoring:
Detroit Pistons
First Quarter: 19
Second Quarter: 47
Third Quarter: 21
Fourth Quarter: 27
Total: 114
Cleveland Cavaliers
First Quarter: 28
Second Quarter: 28
Third Quarter: 26
Fourth Quarter: 28
Total: 110
That second quarter swing was the turning point, with Detroit outscoring Cleveland by 19 points in a single period, a margin that ultimately made the difference in a four-point final score.
Cade Cunningham Delivers A Complete Performance
Cade Cunningham was the heartbeat of Detroit’s offense, finishing with 27 points, seven assists, and only one turnover in 37 minutes. His ability to balance scoring and playmaking kept Cleveland’s defense in constant reaction mode.
Although he shot 7-of-22 from the field, Cunningham made up for it with flawless efficiency at the free-throw line, converting all 11 of his attempts. Those points proved critical in a tight contest where every possession mattered.
Cunningham’s leadership was evident not only in his scoring but also in his composure during late-game situations, when Detroit needed stability and smart decision-making.
Key elements of Cunningham’s night:
- 27 total points
- 11-for-11 from the free throw line
- 7 assists
- Only 1 turnover
- 37 minutes of floor leadership
Daniss Jenkins Sparks Detroit With Explosive Scoring
Daniss Jenkins provided a major offensive boost for the Pistons, scoring 25 points, including a stunning 21-point outburst in the second quarter alone. His shooting completely shifted the momentum and allowed Detroit to seize control after trailing early.
Jenkins’ scoring burst stretched Cleveland’s defense, opened lanes for Cunningham, and energized the entire Pistons roster. Without his second-quarter takeover, the game would have unfolded very differently.
Jenkins’ impact included:
- 25 total points
- 21 points in the second quarter
- Momentum-shifting shooting
- Offensive spark off the ball
Donovan Mitchell Leads Cavaliers With Scoring Explosion
For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell was the primary offensive weapon, finishing with 30 points on 10-of-21 shooting and 7-of-9 from the free throw line. He carried the Cavaliers through stretches when Detroit threatened to pull away and kept the game competitive until the final seconds.
Mitchell’s shot creation, penetration, and perimeter shooting were elite throughout the night. However, Cleveland needed more consistent secondary scoring to fully capitalize on his effort.
Highlights from Mitchell’s performance:
- Game-high 30 points
- Strong efficiency from the field
- Aggressive drives creating fouls
- Offensive anchor for Cleveland
Rebounding Battle And Interior Presence
Ronald Holland II led Detroit on the glass with 10 rebounds, including seven defensive boards and three offensive rebounds. His activity around the rim helped Detroit maintain possession advantages and limit Cleveland’s second-chance opportunities.
Jaylon Tyson was Cleveland’s top rebounder with seven boards, split between three defensive and four offensive rebounds. While Cleveland was competitive inside, Detroit’s slight edge in total rebounds helped control the tempo.
Rebounding overview:
Detroit Pistons:
Total Rebounds: 45
Offensive Rebounds: 14
Defensive Rebounds: 31
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Total Rebounds: 44
Offensive Rebounds: 11
Defensive Rebounds: 33
The difference was minimal, but Detroit’s ability to turn offensive rebounds into points was a subtle yet important factor.
Team Shooting Efficiency Comparison
Both teams shot the ball well overall, but Detroit’s perimeter accuracy and flawless free throw shooting created separation.
Detroit Pistons:
Field Goals: 39-of-95
Field Goal Percentage: 41%
Three Pointers: 15-of-40
Three Point Percentage: 38%
Free Throws: 21-of-21
Free Throw Percentage: 100%
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Field Goals: 35-of-80
Field Goal Percentage: 44%
Three Pointers: 14-of-42
Three Point Percentage: 33%
Free Throws: 26-of-30
Free Throw Percentage: 87%
Detroit’s 15 made three-pointers and perfect free throw shooting gave them a massive scoring advantage despite Cleveland shooting a slightly higher percentage from the field overall.
Shooting factors that shaped the outcome:
- Pistons hit 38% from three
- Cavaliers shot 33% from three
- Pistons went 21-for-21 at the line
- Cavaliers missed four free throws
Turnovers And Transition Play
Both teams finished with exactly 17 turnovers, showing how tightly contested the game was. The difference came in how those turnovers were converted into points.
Detroit scored 21 points off Cleveland’s turnovers, while Cleveland managed 17 points off Detroit’s mistakes. That four-point swing directly matched the final margin of victory.
Transition scoring also leaned in Detroit’s favor:
Detroit Fast Break Points: 19
Cleveland Fast Break Points: 16
Detroit consistently pushed the ball after defensive stops, keeping Cleveland from fully setting up their half-court defense.
Defensive Intensity And Hustle Stats
Both teams displayed strong defensive activity, with nearly identical totals in steals and blocks.
Detroit Pistons:
Steals: 11
Blocks: 9
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Steals: 11
Blocks: 10
Detroit’s ability to protect the paint while still closing out on shooters was critical in the final minutes, especially as Cleveland searched for a tying three-point attempt.
Defensive takeaways:
- Both teams forced pressure with 11 steals
- Rim protection was strong on both sides
- Pistons limited Cleveland’s paint scoring
Points In The Paint And Physical Play
Detroit outscored Cleveland 40-30 in points in the paint, highlighting their interior aggressiveness. That advantage showed how well Detroit balanced perimeter shooting with inside attacks.
Foul numbers also reflected a physical contest:
Detroit Fouls: 24
Cleveland Fouls: 18
Detroit’s aggressive style forced Cleveland into defensive mistakes, leading directly to free throw opportunities that were converted at a perfect rate.
Fourth Quarter Execution And Closing Control
The final quarter was a tense back-and-forth battle, with Cleveland repeatedly threatening to erase Detroit’s lead. However, Cunningham’s calm decision-making and Detroit’s execution from the free throw line allowed the Pistons to maintain control.
Donovan Mitchell had a final look at tying the game but missed a long jump shot attempt in the closing seconds, sealing Detroit’s hard-earned victory.
Key late-game factors:
- Pistons maintained composure
- Cunningham protected the ball
- Free throw shooting closed the door
- Defensive stops prevented a comeback
Series And Standings Impact
Detroit’s win improved their record to 26-9 and reinforced their position at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Cleveland dropped to 20-17 but showed enough competitiveness to remain firmly in playoff contention.
Eastern Conference Central standings snapshot:
Detroit Pistons:
Record: 33-11 overall
Winning percentage: .750
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Record: 27-20 overall
Winning percentage: .574
The Pistons’ ability to win close games on the road continues to separate them from the rest of the conference.
Player Stat Leaders Recap
Detroit Pistons:
- Cade Cunningham: 27 points, 7 assists
- Ronald Holland II: 10 rebounds
- Daniss Jenkins: 25 points
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- Donovan Mitchell: 30 points
- Jaylon Tyson: 7 rebounds
- Darius Garland: 6 assists
Key Statistical Takeaways From The Matchup
Detroit Pistons:
- 114 total points
- 100% free throw shooting
- 15 made three-pointers
- 21 points off turnovers
- 40 points in the paint
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- 110 total points
- 87% free throw shooting
- 14 made three-pointers
- 30 points in the paint
- 17 points off turnovers
This game highlighted how efficiency and discipline can overcome even elite individual scoring performances. Detroit’s flawless free throw shooting, balanced scoring attack, and ability to seize momentum in the second quarter defined one of their most impressive road victories of the season.
