Detroit Pistons: 5 Takeaways From Game 1 Vs. Cavaliers

1. Limit The Big 3

Cleveland’s Big Three scored 81 of their 106 (76.4 percent) points in Game 1. While Irving led the way with 31 points, it was Love’s 28-point performance that really did the Pistons in. He hit a couple of big three-pointers late in the fourth quarter that sent the Pistons ship sinking.

Limiting the big three is easier said than done, though. The biggest way to control the damage is to take Love, and all of Cleveland’s shooters, out of the game from beyond the three-point line. The best way to take their shooters out of the game is by keeping the Cavs’ ball-handlers out of the paint.

James and Irving combined for 17 assists on Sunday. James’ physical attack is like a runaway train when he gets in the lane, it is tough to stop. Irving uses his jaw-dropping, ball-handling skills to work his way into the lane. From there the two have an option to take it to the rim themselves, pull up take a mid-range jumper or kick out for an open shot.

The Pistons defense collapses when either gets into the lane, but especially James. Though the Cavs only shot 34.3 percent from three-point range, their three-pointers were timely. Detroit must keep limit the amount of times these two get in the paint area and then must contest their passes and close out on open shooters.

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Detroit will need to have good ball movement on offense to shoot a high-percentage. Offensively, they should be fine with improved play from their starters. They have to crash the rebounds and take care of the basketball.

All the Pistons have to do is steal a game in Cleveland to give themselves a chance to win this series, but it makes Game 2 critical in a tough environment.