Pistons rally late to force OT, beat Cavs, 122-119

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Feb 27, 2026

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DETROIT — This week had the potential to clarify the Detroit Pistons’ status as championship contenders. For Cade Cunningham, it was a "week full of smoke." However, the Pistons' biggest challenge of the season ended with them posting a 2-1 record after a 122-119 overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at Little Caesars Arena.

A vital moment of the game came when Cade Cunningham tried to steal the ball from Jarrett Allen but was called for a foul. It was his sixth of the game, ending his night with 1:56 left in the fourth quarter. At the time, the Detroit Pistons trailed the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-103. Instead of folding without the All-NBA guard, the Pistons prevailed down the stretch.

With 4.7 seconds left in the period, Daniss Jenkins was fouled from behind the arc by Jaylon Tyson, sending the game into overtime at 114. Without Cunningham, the Pistons managed to hold on by opening the extra period with a 6-0 run.

Jalen Duren led the way during the extra period with four points, finishing with his fourth consecutive double-double with 33 points and 16 rebounds. Ausar Thompson added 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Jarrett Allen led the Cavs (37-24) with 25 points an nine rebounds, and Evan Mobley (23 points) and Sam Merrill (20) each made four 3-pointers. Jaylon Tyson contributed with three made 3-point field goals for 15 points.