The Detroit Pistons were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-109 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, with turnovers proving to be a major factor.
Cade Cunningham’s three fourth-quarter turnovers proved costly for the Detroit Pistons in their loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. His turnovers ultimately doomed Detroit and gave Cleveland enough cushion to eke out the win.
Strus Steals Momentum
Cunningham’s first turnover was an inbounds pass that went directly to Cleveland’s Max Strus. Strus capitalised with an easy transition layup, giving the Cavaliers a two-point lead with 2:30 remaining.
Turnovers Plague Pistons
On the next possession, Cunningham picked up his dribble earlier than necessary and forced a pass to Jalen Duren. Cavs center Jarrett Allen intercepted the pass, sending Cleveland on a fast break.
On the ensuing possession, Cunningham couldn’t connect on a kickout to Tobias Harris that sailed out of bounds. It was Cunningham’s eighth turnover of the evening.
Cunningham had a 27-point triple-double. However, turnovers on three consecutive possessions proved too much to overcome during the playoffs.
Coach Bickerstaff on Turnovers
Cunningham contributed to half of the Pistons’ 16 turnovers that led to 27 Cavs points. This was the most points the Pistons have surrendered off turnovers during these playoffs.
“That’s too many turnovers for us as a group. Sixteen is too many,” Pistons coach Bickerstaff said postgame. “Give up 27 points off those turnovers … our defense is so stingy if we get you in the half court. We’ve just got to make sure we get shots on goal so we can set our defense and make people have to work through it.”
Detroit Dominated the Boards
Detroit won the possession game, supported by its 91 shots to Cleveland’s 74. The Pistons also outrebounded the Cavaliers 40-33 and had a 17-5 advantage on the offensive glass. They even had 19 second-chance points to Cleveland’s 11.
Cunningham’s 30.2 points per game lead the playoffs, but so do his 58 turnovers.
Cunningham said the turnovers were “Just bad plays that could’ve got shots on the rim and could’ve gave us an opportunity to win this game.”
Turnovers were the deciding factor in the Pistons’ defeat.