Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 2 live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NBA playoffs second-round series

This Eastern Conference Semifinal series heads to Cleveland. The Pistons hold a 2-0 series lead. Game 3's are rarely a "must win" situation, but in this series that seems almost accurate. Through two games, the Pistons have been the better, more disciplined team. 

Detroit is winning the turnover battle, and Cleveland is shooting entirely too many three point shots considering how few they make. Many of the turnovers are not forced turnovers by Detroit. Cleveland is simply committing bad unforced turnovers at critical moments in games.

Analytics dictates that a high volume of threes leads to more wins. However, in Game 2, Cleveland made only 7 of 32. In Game 2 Cleveland shot 22% while Detroit shot 50% (14 of 28). Live by the three, die by the three only works if a team shoots above a certain percentage. 

Detroit seems to have an answer for everything Cleveland throws at them. Cleveland also has not been able to contain Cade Cunningham at any of phase of the game through the first two. The Cavs must get more volume scoring from Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. If Cleveland can get what is expected from Mitchell, Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen they can make this a series. However, they have yet to do that in this series. 

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Cavaliers vs. Pistons live updates, highlights from NBA playoffs Game 3

Detroit traveled:

We'll see if James Harden in the 'pink lemonade' will render a better result in Game 3

HARDEN V10: PINK LEMONADE.@adidasHoops /// #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/VejIMlBToN

How to Watch Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons

Saturday, May 9

Tip-off: 3 p.m. ET

TV: NBC/Peacock 

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