Pistons halfway home, take 2-0 lead over Cavs in Eastern semifinal

Detroit — The Detroit Pistons maintained control of the game for most of the night, but the situation changed at the start of the fourth quarter. The Cleveland Cavaliers began the quarter with a 6-0 run, ultimately taking an 81-79 lead by the 10:19 mark of the period.

As "Let's Go Pistons" chants began to fill Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons regained their composure and embarked on a run of their own to take an 86-83 lead, which was ignited by Duncan Robinson and Tobias Harris, who finished with 21 and 17 points, respectively. Robinson accounted for five of the Pistons' 14 made 3-point field goals.

The momentum shifted in favor of the Pistons due to a run by Harris and Robinson. However, Cade Cunningham played a crucial role in the final five minutes, scoring 14 of his 25 points. The strong fourth-quarter rally propelled the Pistons to a 107-97 victory over the Cavaliers in Game 2. As the series now shifts to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4, the Pistons lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, 16 came in the second half. Jarrett Allen had a bounce-back performance compared to Game 1, adding 22 points and seven rebounds. Despite trying to get to the foul line more, James Harden had a rough night, finishing on 3 of 12 shooting for 10 points to go along with four turnovers. Harden's most costly giveaway came during the final seconds of the fourth quarter as a result of 's defense.