Pistons beat East-leading Cavaliers 133-122 and lock down 1st winning season since 2016

AP News

Tim Hardaway Jr. delivered an impressive season-high of 32 points, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 133-122 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. This win secured the Pistons' first winning season since 2016.

Despite Donovan Mitchell's remarkable 38-point effort for Cleveland, which included 22 points in the fourth quarter, Detroit managed to break a 12-game losing streak against the Cavaliers. The Pistons (42-32) played without Cade Cunningham due to a calf injury but still found success. Dennis Schroder stepped in for Cunningham, contributing 16 points and 10 assists, while Jalen Duren added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Ausar Thompson chipped in with 18 points and 10 boards. This victory is particularly significant as the Pistons have struggled to win 25 games over the past five seasons.

With eight regular-season games left, the Pistons have the opportunity to reach 45 wins for the first time since their 59-23 record in the 2007-08 season, which was also the last time they won a playoff game. Darius Garland scored 21 points for Cleveland, which had not lost to Detroit since February 24, 2022, when J.B. Bickerstaff was coaching the Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers found themselves trailing 108-89 with 8:56 remaining but managed to narrow the gap to 119-117 thanks to Mitchell's three-pointer with 3:31 left. However, Detroit responded with a decisive 12-1 run to secure the win.

Cavaliers: Just one win away from their first 60-win season since 2009-10.

Pistons: Cunningham missed his third consecutive game and is currently listed as day-to-day.

Hardaway contributed 10 points as the Pistons opened the second half with a 13-4 run, establishing a 76-62 lead. They ended the quarter with a 38-25 advantage, heading into the fourth with an 18-point lead.

Detroit also dominated in fast-break points, outscoring Cleveland 25-6.

Both teams are set to play again on Monday, with Cleveland hosting the Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit visiting Minnesota to kick off a three-game road trip.