12. Detroit Pistons (0-1)
The Detroit Pistons outshot – both from the field (51 percent) and three-point range (52 percent) – the Cavs, but it wasn’t enough. Despite perhaps putting together their best game possible, the Pistons realized that knocking off Goliath was going to be easier said than done.
Credit the Cavs, though. What did you expect from the top seed in the Eastern Conference?
However, the good news is that their Game 1 loss was a learning experience. Reggie Jackson made some boneheaded plays down the stretch and played hero-ball when it wasn’t needed. Similarly, Andre Drummond had a rough playoff debut. He finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, but was out rebounded by Kevin Love.
That kind of can’t happen if the Pistons are going to have any chance in this series.
Next: Charlotte Hornets