The Cleveland Cavaliers destroyed the Detroit Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Pistons came out the gates sloppy, mishandling passes and missing easy opportunities. Meanwhile, the Cavs showcased excellent three-point shooting and playmaking in the first quarter, racking up 10 assists and shooting over 40% from three.
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Averaging only three assists in the playoffs thus far, Donovan Mitchell began immediately dishing to the bigs down low. He did not score until late in the first quarter, but he put the cherry on top for the Cavs with a half-court “Spida bomb.”
The second quarter was a defensive exhibition with both teams gathering blocks and playing with physicality. However, the Cavs capitalized on the Pistons’ aggressiveness by drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line repeatedly.
Along with their free-throw opportunities, the Cavs obtained numerous second-chance opportunities from stellar offensive rebounding. Even though they were not shooting well from the line, they were making up the missed chances and taking control over the Pistons.
The Pistons struggled to maintain any rhythm in the first half, shooting the ball poorly and fouling heavily to ruin any chance at gathering momentum.
Sam Merrill broke out in the second quarter, shooting the three-ball excellently and even achieving a four-point play. His hot hand led the Cavs to a 17-point lead in the first half.
The Cavs started the second half with their pedal still to the metal. Specifically, Jarrett Allen made his presence felt, gathering offensive rebounds, showcasing post efficiency, and flying down the lane for multiple slams.
The Pistons began to crumble in the middle of the third quarter. It was turnover after turnover and foul after foul, so the comeback hopes dwindled quickly. Things only became worse once Spida started spinning his web, as he attacked the paint repeatedly in an attempt to bury the Pistons before the fourth quarter even started.
The game script remained the same in the fourth, as the Cavs continued to dismantle a floundering Pistons team. The tale of the game came with Ausar Thompson being called for a technical foul before the quarter even started. The frustrations from the shooting woes and mistakes built up, while the Cavs’ teamwork flourished.
Mitchell finished as the leading scorer for the Cavs, putting up 26 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. The supporting cast of Allen and Merrill put up 21-6-12 & 23-2-1 respectively.
Daniss Jenkins finished as the leading scorer for the Pistons, putting up 17 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, while Cade Cunningham struggled mightily, putting up a line of 13-4-5 and shooting 31% from the floor.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will play the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the ECF on Tuesday, May 19.
