Cade Cunningham admits bitter truth that helped Pistons beat Cavs in Game 1 appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons took care of business against the Cleveland Cavaliers , 111-101, in Game 1 of their second-round series on Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena.
Buoyed by the home crowd, the Pistons finished off the Cavaliers with timely buckets from Cunningham, Jalen Duren , and Tobias Harris .
Cunningham scored 23 points, although he struggled from the field, going 6-of-19. He added three rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
After the game, he reiterated the importance of setting the tone in the best-of-seven affair. He also admitted the bitter truth that should fuel them against the Cavaliers.
“It’s one win. We got to come back and do it again,” said Cunningham.
“Got to protect home court. We didn’t do that last series, so we know it’s important this series. They’re a tough team.”
The Pistons found themselves on the brink of elimination in the first round against the Orlando Magic after dropping two games at home, including Game 1. But they mustered enough strength to climb back from a 3-1 deficit and eliminate the Magic.
Cunningham, who has often been asked about his aura , was sensational versus Orlando, putting up 32.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. In their last three season-saving wins, he averaged 36.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists.
The two-time All-Star stressed that it will take a collective effort to outlast the Cavaliers.
“We have a great system in place. So we just need to play to our strengths, just giving an effort, putting it all out there, and you have somebody behind you who’ll come in for you whenever you’re tired,” added Cunningham
Game 2 is on Thursday.
Related: Duncan Robinson flexes Pistons’ ‘disruptive’ effort on James Harden, Donovan Mitchell
Related: How Duncan Robinson opened up the game for Pistons vs. Cavs

