DETROIT – Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team’s composure and defensive intensity after Thursday night’s 107-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers gave them a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Bickerstaff said the team regrouped after Cleveland ramped up its defensive pressure in the second half.
Recommended Videos
“We just settled in,” Bickerstaff said. “They started to pick up their pressure a little bit more. We got a little sped up, but we found our resolve and got back to who we are.”
Detroit closed the game strong behind a fourth-quarter surge led by Cade Cunningham, who finished with 25 points and 10 assists.
Bickerstaff called Cunningham a “killer” and a “closer,” praising his ability to elevate late in games.
“In the fourth quarter, he does his best work,” Bickerstaff said.
Cunningham’s defensive versatility also stood out, including his willingness to guard Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell and other positions across the floor.
“If your best player is willing to lay it on the line on the defensive end of the floor, everybody’s held to that same standard,” Bickerstaff said.
Harris steadies Detroit’s young roster
Veteran forward Tobias Harris added 21 points and seven rebounds, and Bickerstaff was effusive in his praise of the veteran’s impact beyond the stat sheet.
“We’re not in this position if it isn’t for him,” Bickerstaff said. “Not just because of the basketball talent, his leadership, his willingness to show people what preparation looks like.”
Bickerstaff described Harris as a stabilizing presence for Detroit’s younger players, crediting his professionalism and confidence as critical factors in the team’s postseason run.
Young contributors step up
Bickerstaff also highlighted the contributions of younger players, including Daniss Jenkins and Ronald Holland II, who have stepped into key postseason roles.
“They’re taking advantage of the opportunities,” Bickerstaff said. “When you’ve got young guys doing things for the first time in these situations, it’s not going to be perfect. What we judge them on is their effort.”
Defense drives Detroit’s game plan
The Pistons leaned heavily on their defensive identity throughout the game, forcing turnovers and limiting Cleveland’s offensive rhythm, even amid frustrations with officiating.
Bickerstaff made clear that physicality and persistence are central to Detroit’s approach.
“We have to stay true to our identity, continue to be physical, continue to be handsy,” Bickerstaff said. “Our objective is to fatigue you as much as we possibly can and make you have to play through as much legal contact as you can.”
Detroit also adjusted its defensive scheme against Cleveland’s guards, asking center Jalen Duren to play higher in pick-and-roll coverage.
“You have to go against this team,” Bickerstaff said. “Those guards are too dynamic. You’ve got to get up and impact the ball.”
With a 2-0 series lead, the Pistons will look to build on their momentum as the series shifts to Cleveland for Game 3.