Pistons Stun Cavaliers in Cleveland, Prove Depth Is Real Without Duren, Harris
If you’re looking for proof that this version of the Detroit Pistons is built differently, Sunday afternoon in Cleveland delivered it.
The Pistons walked into Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse — a building they hadn’t won in since 2020 — missing two starters in Jalen Duren (ankle) and Tobias Harris (hip), and still walked out with a 114–110 win over the Cavaliers. No excuses. No flukes. Just a gutty, grown-up road performance from a team that’s learning how to survive adversity.
This wasn’t pretty basketball. It was winning basketball.
And it mattered.
Detroit had dropped three of its last four and was staring down a key conference matchup with the Knicks. Another loss would’ve added real urgency. Instead, the Pistons steadied themselves, leaned into depth, and proved they can still control a game even when the roster isn’t whole.
Jenkins Was Unconscious
There’s an old saying in basketball: when a shooter’s feeling it, the rim looks as big as the ocean.
That must’ve been the case for Daniss Jenkins in the first half.
Jenkins came off the bench and completely flipped the game, pouring in 21 first-half points and drilling shots from everywhere. He capped it with a buzzer-beating three while streaking down the left side in front of the Pistons’ bench — one of those moments where everyone knew something special was happening.
His teammates exploded. Cleveland didn’t have an answer. Detroit carried a 10-point lead into halftime, built almost entirely on Jenkins’ shot-making.
He’s done this before in flashes — but this was different. This was confidence, rhythm, and trust, all rolled into one night.
Cade Did Cade Things
While Jenkins provided the spark, Cade Cunningham did what he’s done all season: controlled the game.
Cade finished with 27 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, never forcing the issue and never losing command. When Cleveland pushed in the second half, Cade slowed it down. When Detroit needed points late, Cade delivered.
And when it mattered most?
He was flawless.
Detroit went a perfect 21-for-21 at the free-throw line, and Cade was a big reason why. You’ll hear a lot of stats tossed around, but this one matters most — especially in road games like this.
Free throws decide games.
Detroit made all of theirs.
Cleveland didn’t.
That’s the difference.
Surviving the Second Half
The Cavaliers outscored Detroit after halftime. Donovan Mitchell got his 30 points, because he always does. But no other Cavalier reached 20, and that’s where the Pistons quietly won this game.
Detroit absorbed runs without panicking. They rebounded. They defended. They executed just enough when it counted.
And they did it without their starting center.
Depth Showed Up
This wasn’t a one-man show.
Paul Reed gave Detroit real minutes and physicality inside. Ausar Thompson impacted the game defensively and on the glass. Ron Holland II led the team with 10 rebounds, bringing energy, effort, and toughness.
That said — someone needs to sit Ron Holland down and take the three-point green light away for a while.
He finished 1-for-6 from deep and is now shooting 23.9% on the season. The confidence is admirable. The results are not. Holland is far more valuable attacking the rim, rebounding, defending, and playing in chaos. There’s a player there — a good one — but the jumper needs serious work before it becomes a real weapon.
Matchup Statement
This win also mattered because of who it came against.
Cleveland has given Detroit problems lately. Physical, disciplined, and usually efficient at home. The Pistons flipped that script by winning nearly every category that travels well: rebounding, free throws, composure, and late-game execution.
It’s not about style points. It’s about stacking wins when circumstances aren’t ideal.
Detroit did exactly that.
Stat Capsule 🏀
Game Result
• Pistons 114, Cavaliers 110
• First road win in Cleveland since 2020
Game Leaders
• Cade Cunningham: 27 PTS, 7 AST, 6 REB
• Daniss Jenkins: 25 PTS (21 in first half)
• Ron Holland II: 10 REB
Team Shooting
• FG: 41%
• 3PT: 38%
• FT: 21-for-21 (100%)
Key Differentials
• Free Throws: DET 21-21 | CLE 26-30
• Rebounds: DET 45 | CLE 44
• Turnovers: 17–17
Bench Impact
• Jenkins’ first-half burst swung momentum
• Reed, Ausar, Holland provided energy and defense
What It Means
This was the Pistons’ first real taste of adversity this season — injuries, schedule pressure, and expectations colliding all at once.
And they passed the test.
Detroit heads home for a Monday night matchup against the Knicks, who trail the Pistons by three games in the conference standings. It’s not a must-win — but it’s a statement opportunity.
Because wins like this one tell you something important:
This team doesn’t need everything to go right to win.
They just need to be themselves.
Before we jump ahead to New York — here’s the real question:
Does this win change how you view the Pistons or do you still need to see more? Drop a comment below or join the conversation in the Pistons Hardwood Hub — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
