DETROIT – Cade Cunningham said the Detroit Pistons “set the tone” with a high-intensity effort in Game 2 as the two-time All-Star guard helped lead a 107-97 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, giving them a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“It was great, protecting home court, making sure we set the tone,” Cunningham said. “We had a good start to the game and just high intensity, high focus from everybody.”
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Cunningham controlled stretches of the game as Detroit built early momentum and withstood a Cavaliers push in the third quarter before closing strong down the stretch.
Harris’ versatility fuels Detroit’s offensive balance
Veteran forward Tobias Harris played a key role in the win, and Cunningham was quick to credit his leadership and versatility.
“He’s been great in a lot of ways,” Cunningham said. “He’s shown me professionalism, ways to make my life easier, and do my job more efficiently. We can put him in so many different spots. He can space us, shoot the three, or go on the block and get us a bucket.”
Cunningham added that Harris’ ability to contribute across multiple roles has been central to Detroit’s offensive balance throughout the series.
Defense drives Detroit’s identity
Defensively, Cunningham said the Pistons’ identity continues to drive their success, particularly in late-game situations.
“That side of the ball wins this game. That’s our identity,” Cunningham said. “In winning time, we’ve got to be locked in and execute.”
Detroit closed both of its first two playoff wins with strong defensive stretches, limiting Cleveland’s offense at critical moments.
Depth defines Detroit’s postseason run
Cunningham also pointed to the Pistons’ depth as a defining strength, with multiple role players stepping up throughout the postseason.
“That’s what we’ve hung our hat on all year,” Cunningham said. “Next-man-up mentality. Top to bottom, we’ve got guys that can make plays.”
The Pistons are coming off a previous series in which they overcame a 3-1 deficit, a run Cunningham said helped shape the team’s current mindset.
“We learned how thin the line is between winning and losing,” Cunningham said. “It’s a war more so than just a battle.”
Pistons set sights on Cleveland
Now up 2-0 with the series shifting to Cleveland, Cunningham said Detroit is clear-eyed about the challenge ahead.
“They’re going to have their home fans and more energy,” Cunningham said. “We’ve got to handle our business and stay focused.”