Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 4: live score updates, highlights, 2026 NBA playoffs 2nd round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cavaliers bounced back in Game 3 making this a series. Had Detroit won Game 3, it would have been an insurmountable hill to climb. Especially considering how the Pistons have been playing in these playoffs.
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As recently as May 8, fans seemed to be headed towards a Knicks vs Pistons Eastern Conference final. The Knicks swept the 76ers, but Cleveland could force a long series with a win tonight. A Cavs win would knot the series as two games apiece. Then it becomes a best of three series with Detroit still holding a home court advantage.
The key for Detroit comes down to only a few aspects and they will be in a good position for the remaining games. Do not allow Cleveland to shoot a respectable number from beyond the 3-point arc and continue to out rebound them. Detroit has a significant series edge in rebounding and Cleveland has not been able to change that. In the two games Cleveland lost, they shot over 30 three-point shot while shooting under 30%.
Cleveland needed a great game from Donovan Mitchell and timely plays down the stretch from James Harden just to win the game. While they won that game by 7, Detroit was within 2 with under a minute to play. Cleveland needs a full, good effort from their big four. Detroit just has to keep playing Detroit Basketball.
1st Quarter-1:36: Caris Levert makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
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1st Quarter-1:46: Dennis Schroder makes a running layup.
1st Quarter-2:31: Dennis Schroder draws a charge on Daniss Jenkins.
1st Quarter-4:05: Isaiah Stewart makes layup. DET takes their first lead since 3-2.
1st Quarter-5:19: Caris Levert makes a 26-foot three-point shot. Cleveland calls a timeout. Detroit has narrowed the 9-point lead to only a 3-point lead.
1st Quarter-5:40: Jalen Duren makes a layup.
1st Quarter-5:56: Evan Mobley makes a 9-foot shot.
1st Quarter-6:30: Due to early fouls, Cleveland will be in the bonus for the remainder of this half.
1st Quarter-6:49: Caris Levert makes a 15-foot pull up jumper.
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1st Quarter-7:46: James Harden makes a 26-foot three-point shot. Detroit has committed five early turnovers.
