What happened
The Detroit Pistons defended home court in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, taking a commanding 2-0 lead before the series shifts to Cleveland. ESPN highlighted the road ahead as Detroit travels north with momentum and the series in their grip. Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris fueled the Game 2 effort that put the Cavaliers in a deep hole.
Why it matters
A 2-0 series lead is historically decisive in the NBA playoffs, and Detroit is now two wins from an Eastern Conference Finals berth that would mark a defining leap for this rebuild. The result also extends Cleveland's recent playoff struggles against Detroit, who entered the series having snapped a 12-game playoff losing streak to the Cavs in Game 1. Pressure now sits squarely on Cleveland to avoid a 3-0 hole that no NBA team has ever overcome.
What to watch
Game 3 tips in Cleveland with the Cavaliers facing a must-win to keep their season alive. Watch whether Cleveland adjusts its physicality and whether Cunningham can sustain his playmaking on the road.