{"id":864440,"date":"2026-10-21T21:21:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T21:21:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/864440\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T21:21:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T21:21:23","slug":"cavaliers-will-have-to-keep-tabs-on-the-new-look-pistons-after-gutsy-comeback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/864440\/","title":{"rendered":"Cavaliers will have to keep tabs on the new-look Pistons after gutsy comeback"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cleveland Cavaliers came closer to the NBA Finals than they’ve been since LeBron James’ second departure last season. Taking down the top-seeded Detroit Pistons wasn’t enough, but it was a testament to improvement and a statement to the rest of the league.<\/a><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, that series loss didn’t break J.B. Bickerstaff’s team. Nor did their months-long saga with Jalen Duren, as they showed in a gutsy comeback win over the Boston Celtics in the season opener.<\/p>\n

Cade Cunningham and company overcame a sluggish defensive start to the game to come back from double digits, and they showed the type of balanced scoring that could be a legitimate threat to Kenny Atkinson’s team this season.<\/p>\n

The Cleveland Cavaliers must keep an eye on the Pistons <\/p>\n

Too often, the Pistons became one-dimensional, stagnant, and predictable on offense. Cunningham put the ball on the floor and tried to make something happen, with Duren getting his points in the pick-and-roll, and everyone else chiming in occasionally. Not this time.<\/p>\n

Duncan Robinson got scripted touches and made the most of his floor-stretching shooting; Duren was aggressive and tried to make a point, and Cunningham was his usual self. Even with John Collins having an off night, the Pistons looked much more balanced on offense, and he’s a significant upgrade over John Collins.<\/p>\n

Bickerstaff is also trying to turn Ausar Thompson into a playmaker, which can either go terribly wrong or scary well. It’s way too early in the season to tell, but this team will certainly be worth keeping an eye on. <\/p>\n

Of course, the Pistons aren’t the only team that got better in the offseason. Mario Hezonja and Peyton Watson will give the Cavaliers two dynamic two-way players to match up with their jumbo ball-handlers, and Jaylon Tyson looks poised for a much-needed year-three leap. Also, Meleek Thomas looks like the real deal.<\/a><\/p>\n

That said, the Cavaliers are the type of gritty and physical team that can be a thorn in anyone’s side. And like most young teams that thrive in the regular season and then struggle in the playoffs, they’ve now experienced heartbreak. They’re battle-tested, and if they can lick their wounds and get back on their feet, they can be a problem.<\/p>\n

For years, the Cavs have dealt with a ‘soft’ label, and they haven’t done much to flip the narrative. That’s why making a statement against a bruising team like the Cavs will be a must, especially after already beating them in the playoffs last season.<\/p>\n

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