NBA
Saturday, May 9, 2026 • Rocket Arena
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 32 | 32 | 19 | 33 | 116 |
| Detroit Pistons | 30 | 18 | 33 | 28 | 109 |
Team Statistics
| Stat | Cleveland Cavaliers | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | 31/42 | 32/66 |
| 3-Pointers | 12/32 | 9/25 |
| Free Throws | 18/28 | 18/22 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 40 |
| Assists | 22 | 23 |
| Steals | 3 | 12 |
| Blocks | 7 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 15 |
Game Recap
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 116-109 in an NBA matchup, closing out a seven-point win behind a strong scoring performance from Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland’s offense proved efficient enough in key stretches, and the Cavaliers made the plays they needed late to hold off a Detroit team that stayed within striking distance throughout the game.
Mitchell led all scorers with 35 points, providing the Cavaliers with a reliable primary option and helping set the tone offensively. Cleveland also received important support from James Harden, who scored 19 points, and Jarrett Allen, who added 18 points while contributing to the team’s interior presence. The Cavaliers finished with 22 assists and hit 12 three-pointers, giving them enough balance to withstand Detroit’s push.
The Pistons were led by Cade Cunningham, who scored 27 points and kept Detroit competitive with his shot creation and offensive control. Tobias Harris added 21 points, while Detroit finished with 40 rebounds and 23 assists, showing solid ball movement and activity on the glass. However, the Pistons could not fully overcome Cleveland’s late-game execution and shot-making.
For Cleveland, the win reinforces the value of having a high-level scorer to close tight games, along with multiple contributors capable of easing the offensive burden. Detroit, despite the loss, can take positives from its competitiveness, rebounding edge, and production from Cunningham and Harris, but will need sharper execution in decisive moments to turn close games into wins.
Key Takeaways
- →Cleveland Cavaliers have a superior Net Rating of 8
- →Despite Cleveland's strong home record and recent form, Detroit's superior overall record and slight edge in the CourtFrame Power Index suggest they are marginally favored
- →The Cleveland Cavaliers have a strong home record (16-3) and are on a positive form streak (WLWWW), which gives them a slight edge despite both teams facing back-to-back games
- →Despite Cleveland's strong home performance, Detroit's overall superior record and slightly better CPI give them an edge
- →The Cleveland Cavaliers have a strong home court advantage with an 84

