Playing without All-Star Cade Cunningham against a team that had beaten them in 12 straight games, the Detroit Pistons (42-32) almost blew a 19-point lead.

Pistons come alive to beat Cavaliers for first time since 2022

Detroit Pistons guard Dennis Schroder (17) dribbles defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Then they locked down the Cleveland Cavaliers in the final four minutes.

On Friday, Detroit had a 19-point lead with nine minutes to go when Donovan Mitchell caught fire, and the Cavaliers (59-15) went on a 30-11 run. But after Mitchell hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to two, the Pistons responded with a 12-1 run and held on to win 133-122.

The Pistons got help from some missed free throws by the Cavaliers, but they shone offensively down the stretch, scoring in a variety of ways. Malik Beasley drew a three-shot foul.

Dennis Schroder hit two jumpers. And Ausar Thompson hammered down two big dunks, causing the Cavaliers to clear their bench with 1:11 to go.

It was a big win for multiple reasons. Detroit clinched a winning season with its 42nd win, their first since 2016. The Pistons defeated the Cavaliers for the first time since February 24, 2022, breaking the NBA’s third-longest losing streak against a single opponent.

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For two teams that could easily meet in the second round of the playoffs, it’s a confidence-building moment for the young Pistons.

Detroit still has a long way to go. It has the NBA’s third-hardest schedule the rest of the way. There’s uncertainty about Cunningham’s injury. The team could finish anywhere between fourth and sixth in the East.

Still, they took a huge step towards avoiding the New York Knicks in the first round and proving that they can play with anyone in the league. What could have been a heartbreaking blown lead turned into a signature win, that broke an embarrassing streak.