Pistons 111-101 Cavaliers: Detroit take Game 1

The top seed in the East struck first. Detroit beat Cleveland 111-101 at Little Caesars Arena, taking a 1-0 lead in the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference semifinals. In front of 20,062 fans, the Pistons built a big early cushion, survived a fourth-quarter tie, and closed with composure.
Detroit’s start set the tone
The Pistons ripped a 37-21 first quarter, powered by 11-of-12 free throws and four made threes. Cleveland coughed up six turnovers in the opening frame, a theme that lingered. Duncan Robinson’s shooting stretched the floor, Cade Cunningham orchestrated, and Detroit’s defense turned pressure into points. By halftime it was 59-46, with the hosts owning the rhythm and the glass.
Cleveland’s charge, then Detroit’s answer
The Cavaliers clawed back after the break, winning the third 30-24 behind Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell. James Harden then authored a fourth-quarter flurry, drilling a three and sinking three free throws to tie it 93-93 with just over seven minutes left. Detroit responded immediately. Jalen Duren scored three straight inside buckets, Tobias Harris cashed key free throws, and Daniss Jenkins finished it with two clutch free throws and a late layup to seal 111-101.
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18 May 2026Pistons 111-101 Cavaliers: Detroit take Game 1

The top seed in the East struck first. Detroit beat Cleveland 111-101 at Little Caesars Arena, taking a 1-0 lead in the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference semifinals. In front of 20,062 fans, the Pistons built a big early cushion, survived a fourth-quarter tie, and closed with composure.
Detroit’s start set the tone
The Pistons ripped a 37-21 first quarter, powered by 11-of-12 free throws and four made threes. Cleveland coughed up six turnovers in the opening frame, a theme that lingered. Duncan Robinson’s shooting stretched the floor, Cade Cunningham orchestrated, and Detroit’s defense turned pressure into points. By halftime it was 59-46, with the hosts owning the rhythm and the glass.
Cleveland’s charge, then Detroit’s answer
The Cavaliers clawed back after the break, winning the third 30-24 behind Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell. James Harden then authored a fourth-quarter flurry, drilling a three and sinking three free throws to tie it 93-93 with just over seven minutes left. Detroit responded immediately. Jalen Duren scored three straight inside buckets, Tobias Harris cashed key free throws, and Daniss Jenkins finished it with two clutch free throws and a late layup to seal 111-101.
The latest stories

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona: the numbers behind a commanding run
18 May 2026
Dani Carvajal leaves Real Madrid as a legend
18 May 2026
Guardians go deep six times in 10-3 win over Reds
18 May 2026
Giants crush Athletics 10-1 with 8-run eighth
18 May 2026
Alex de Minaur rallies past Cerundolo at ATP Hamburg
18 May 2026
José Mourinho back in Madrid: His Real Madrid stats
18 May 2026