The Pistons lead the Cavaliers in the 2nd Quarter of Game 1 live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NBA playoffs second-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cavaliers and Pistons are familiar division foes. Cleveland holds the all time series lead 15-6 and are 7-3 over the last ten. However, the 2025-26 regular seasons series are split, 2-2.
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This matchup pins two teams against each other that are at very different places in their respective journeys. The Pistons are a young ascending team, while the Cavaliers are in must win now mode. James Harden was a new addition this season, but the core of Mitchell, Mobley and Allen have been together for a few years and have been unable to get out of the second round since 2018.
The Pistons are the Eastern Conference overall No. 1 seed and had the 3rd best record in the NBA this season. In game 7 vs the Raptors, Jarrett Allen led the team with 22 points and 19 rebounds, while Mitchell and Harden only combined for 40 combined. In order to make this a competitive series, Cleveland will need to get more from their star backcourt. Whereas, the Pistons simply need Cade Cunningham to continue his production and get good defense work from Amen Thompson and Jalen Duren.
NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live scores | Full schedule | Updated bracket
2nd Quarter-9:35: Donovan Mitchell makes a 25-foot three-point shot.
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2nd Quarter-10:41: Ausar Thompson makes a two-point shot.
2nd Quarter-11:23: Donovan Mitchell makes a 12-foot floating jump shot.
|
CLE |
DET |
|
|---|---|---|
|
FG |
8-22 |
11-23 |
|
Field Goal % |
36 |
48 |
|
3PT |
3-9 |
4-6 |
|
Three Point % |
33 |
67 |
|
FT |
2-2 |
11-12 |
|
Free Throw % |
100 |
92 |
|
Rebounds |
12 |
12 |
|
Offensive Rebounds |
3 |
3 |
|
Defensive Rebounds |
9 |
9 |
|
Assists |
5 |
7 |
|
Steals |
0 |
3 |
|
Blocks |
1 |
0 |
|
Total Turnovers |
6 |
0 |
|
Points Conceded Off Turnovers |
12 |
0 |
|
Fast Break Points |
0 |
4 |
|
Points in Paint |
10 |
8 |
|
Fouls |
6 |
4 |
|
Technical Fouls |
0 |
0 |
|
Flagrant Fouls |
0 |
0 |
|
Largest Lead |
5 |
18 |
|
Percent Led |
24 |
71 |
1st Quarter-0:07: Javonte Green makes a 27-foot three-point shot to close out the quarter.
