The Cleveland Cavaliers paid a visit to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night for Game 1 of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Although the Pistons had a disappointing showing against the Orlando Magic in round one early on, they wanted to get a quicker start against a higher-seeded team in the Cavs.
On one hand, the Cavaliers did a fine job of holding the Pistons’ star Cade Cunningham in check. While Cunningham led Detroit in scoring, he had to grind it out with 6-19 shooting from the field. Nine of Cunningham’s 23 points came from the free-throw line.
That’s about the only silver lining the Cavaliers have on the night.
James Harden Addresses Cavaliers Defense vs Cade Cunningham
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
“It was pretty good–can be a lot better,” Harden told reporters.
“We know who Cade is and what he’s capable of, and what he’s been doing. It’s not just one person’s job, it’s all of our jobs to make it difficult on him. Not just him, but his entire team. But we know he is the head of the snake, so we got to be better in figuring out ways we can make it more difficult for him and more difficult for Duncan Robinson, who had five threes.”
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons points skyward before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Pistons got a lift from Robinson, who knocked down 5-8 shots from three.
Harden’s former teammate in Philly, Tobias Harris, also had a strong scoring outing, as he shot 6-14 from the field to score 20 points.
GettyCade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons and James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers during an NBA game.
“We still gave ourselves a chance with all of the things we didn’t do right, I don’t feel like we played well at all tonight, but we gave ourselves a chance, which is a positive,” Harden added. “Unfortunately, in the playoffs, you don’t really get to love. It’s you win or you lose, you don’t really get war points for losing and not playing well. Different outcome for Game 2.”
Following the 111-101 loss, the Cavaliers and the Pistons will meet for Game 2 on Thursday night, May 7. The game will take place in Detroit, Michigan, before the series goes to Cleveland, Ohio, for Game 3 on Saturday, May 9.
James Harden Gives Honest Take on Cavs vs Cade Cunningham