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Pistons Force Game 7, Hold Cavs to 29% Shooting

5/16/2026

46 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Pistons Force Game 7

The Detroit Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 in Game 6, forcing a Game 7 in Detroit.
Detroit limited Cleveland to 29% shooting in the second half and under 40% overall.
The Pistons’ bench scored 48 points while the Cavaliers’ bench managed 19.
James Harden contributed 23 points but committed eight turnovers.
Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Paul Reed combined for 53 points, with Duren adding 11 rebounds.

Summary

Harden Struggles

James Harden's Game 6 record fell to 4-14 after his 23-point effort, giving him the lowest win percentage in elimination games.
The Pistons, who entered Game 7 as the No. 1 seed after a 60-win regular season, won back-to-back Game 6s on the road, extending their postseason resilience.
Marcus Sasser posted a team-high plus-27 rating despite scoring only nine points, indicating high efficiency.

Summary

Cunningham Eyes Game 7

Cade Cunningham said the Pistons’ four-guard rotation creates spacing and defensive flexibility.
He noted his improved three-point shooting adds new layers to his offense.
Cunningham emphasized that every bench player’s energy and defense sustain momentum.
He expressed confidence in his physical condition for Game 7 despite recent injury recovery.
Cunningham predicted an electric atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena will boost Detroit’s performance.

History

Historical Context

After Larry Brown built a defense-first Pistons that added Rasheed Wallace in February 2004 and finished the season 54-28, Detroit captured its third NBA title by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1. The franchise’s 2004 blueprint of deep rotations resurfaces in 2024, when the Pistons forced a Game 7 after a dominant Game 6, hoping the same bench strength will deliver another championship.

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Pistons Force Game 7

The Detroit Pistons beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-94 in Game 6, forcing a Game 7 in Detroit.
Detroit limited Cleveland to 29% shooting in the second half and under 40% overall.
The Pistons’ bench scored 48 points while the Cavaliers’ bench managed 19.
James Harden contributed 23 points but committed eight turnovers.
Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Paul Reed combined for 53 points, with Duren adding 11 rebounds.

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