Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Takeaways From Game 1 vs. Pistons

Apr 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy complains about a call during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Pistons 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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5. Detroit Won’t Go Down Quietly

If only one thing can be taken away from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ victory over the Detroit Pistons, it’s that this is going to be a tough series. Stan Van Gundy has his team ready to compete, and whether or not they can win, they have the tools to make things interesting.

Whether it’s a 4-0 sweep or a seven-game war, Detroit will not go down quietly.

The Pistons lost by five points to the Cavaliers in Game 1, and that alone is reason for intrigue. Detroit led the game entering the fourth quarter, and did so on the strength of its depth and balance—not its star contributors.

Andre Drummond, Tobias Harris, and Reggie Jackson combined for just 39 points, with Drummond being limited to 13 points and 11 boards.

Chances are, the trio of Drummond, Harris, and Jackson will all play better than they did in Game 1. The jitters are out, Van Gundy will keep his team motivated, and the team will function better than it did during the fourth quarter of the series-opener.

Duplicating the feat of making 15 3-point field goals will be tough, but Drummond made quite the statement in Game 1.

Next: No. 4

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