The Pistons defeated the Cavaliers 107-97 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Tobias Harris scoring 21 points. Detroit has come back from a 3-1 deficit in the previous series against the Orlando Magic.
Key points
Pistons won Game 2 against Cavaliers 107-97
Tobias Harris scored 21 points in Game 2
Pistons overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Magic
Harris was the leading scorer in Game 7 with 30 points
After Game 7 against the Orlando Magic, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff made an ear-catching quote, stating, "Nobody can say s--- to me about Tobias Harris."
The Pistons came back from a 3-1 deficit and won a grueling seven-game series and Harris finished that game as Detroit's leading scorer, putting up 30 points while Cade Cunningham had 32 points.
But people still asked the same question: Is this really a different Tobias Harris we're watching?
In Game 1 on Tuesday, he was yet again Detroit's second leading scorer with 20 points. He showed up again in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, finishing with 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding seven rebounds and two steals in a 107-97 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris is attended to after sustaining an injury during Game 2 of Round 2 of the NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris is attended to after sustaining an injury during Game 2 of Round 2 of the NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich.
In his 15th season, Harris has gone from averaging more than 13 points per game in the 2025-2026 regular season to more than 21 points per game in the postseason. It's just the second time in his career he's averaged more than 20 points in a postseason.
So what's the secret to this trust in Harris' abilities? "Confidence," Bickerstaff said after Game 2. "There's no insecurity in who he is, and when you don't have those insecurities in the moment, you can play free and trust the work that you've put in.
Q&A
What did Tobias Harris score in Game 2 against the Cavaliers?
Tobias Harris scored 21 points in Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
How did the Pistons perform in their previous series against the Orlando Magic?
The Pistons came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series against the Orlando Magic in seven games.
Who were the leading scorers for the Pistons in Game 7 against the Magic?
Tobias Harris was the leading scorer with 30 points, while Cade Cunningham scored 32 points in Game 7 against the Orlando Magic.
What was the outcome of Game 1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the Pistons?
In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Pistons won against the Cavaliers, with Harris contributing 20 points.
Related Articles
Sports
Girls track and field Upper State champions, other qualifiers for state
Upper State girls track and field champions and state qualifiers revealed
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Recap
High school baseball: Friday’s 5A Regionals and 4A/3A Super Regionals recaps
Roy defeats Kearns 12-6 in a thrilling Game 1 of the 5A Regionals!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Rockies 9, Phillies 7 (F/11): Colorado survives a wild night in Philly
In a thrilling game, Rockies beat Phillies 9-7 after extra innings!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
White Sox fall to Mariners in 12-8 slugfest
In a slugfest, the White Sox lose to the Mariners 12-8 despite a late rally.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Recap
High school softball: Friday’s 4A Super Regionals Game 2 & 3 recaps
Uintah defeats Snow Canyon 16-1, advances in 4A Super Regionals!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Feature
Top performers from 2026 Delaware County track and field meet
Highlights from the 2026 Delaware County Track and Field Championship at Delta High School.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
"Because you know how much time you've put in over the years to do what you do, and trust that he's got a spot."
Throughout his 76 (and counting) games of postseason experience, Harris has seen a lot. From being swept in his first postseason series in 2016, to losing a heartbreaking seven-game series against the Raptors in 2019, to seeing this team not win a single home playoff game last year.
The one thing about Harris is that he made the decision to come back to Detroit, signing a 2-year, $52 million dollar deal back in 2024. The franchise didn't look nearly as promising as it does now, winning a franchise-low 14 games in the previous year, but that didn't deter Harris from taking advantage of a second chance.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) signs autographs for fans during pregame warmups. Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers, Round 2, Game 2, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Detroit, Mich
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) signs autographs for fans during pregame warmups. Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers, Round 2, Game 2, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Detroit, Mich
"I knew the impact that the type of players that we have in here, and really just the energy that the coaches have brought to the table every single day," Harris said after Game 2. "But I didn't come back to this organization to lose. Coming back there I was making a decision just to bond with the guys in this locker room and the talent level. I've said that numerous times, but yeah, it was obviously a huge goal."
Through the regular season and even during the first round, many asked whether the Pistons should've swung for a consistent second option on offense to pair with star Cade Cunningham. But as of right now, it seems like the answer was already on the roster.
At 6-foot-8 and 226 pounds, Harris has taken advantage of his size throughout the first nine games of this run, posting up on smaller defenders to either turn around and shoot right over them or collapse the defense and swing the ball to the open man.
"There's so many guys that think 'dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble, dribble' is the game, right?" Bickerstaff said. "And Tobias knows, he's gonna get you in the post, he might back you down, he might face you up, but he's gonna get to the same spot and raise up and knock it down."
"There's two seasons in the NBA, there's regular season and playoffs, and two really different types of basketball," Harris said. "And for me, you know, just being with this group and being in this moment and taking advantage of the opportunities that are out there in a great flow and look to continue that."
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) blocks the shot of Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of Game 2 in Round 2 of the NBA playoffs on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) blocks the shot of Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of Game 2 in Round 2 of the NBA playoffs on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich.
One of those players he's bonded with is Daniss Jenkins, who has also shown up as a bright spot for the Pistons in these playoffs. He's finished in double-digit scoring off the bench for three straight games, including a 16-point performance in Game 2 against Cleveland.
"He's just really like my guy, you know what I mean," Jenkins said. "It's not easy playing behind the main guy when you're in that position. So just all the little things to keep my mental right, stay with it, and stay poised through all the ups and downs. Even when I'm out there, stay aggressive, he keeps me on my toes to do the right things."
Just a week ago, the Pistons were on the brink of elimination. Allowing the Magic to steal a game at home helped put them in a 3-1 series hole that they had to claw and scratch their way out of. Now they go to Cleveland up 2-0, winning both games at home, but Harris knows that's the bare minimum of this squad.
"This is what we're supposed to do," Harris said. "Players are supposed to protect the home court. We did our job the first two games, we gotta go on the road and bring that same type of effort, same type of intensity, and same type of desperation."