Cade Cunningham, Pistons Win Game 1 vs. Donovan Mitchell, Cavs as Fans Predict Playoff Series Result

The Detroit Pistons enjoyed a dominant first quarter before holding on down the stretch to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 111-101 at home in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Detroit led 37-21 after the first quarter and held a 59-46 halftime edge. The Pistons never pulled away, but they still found themselves with a relatively comfortable 93-82 lead with eight-and-a-half minutes left in regulation.

However, Cleveland stormed back with 11 straight points. James Harden scored the final nine to tie the game at 93.

It was the Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren show from there, though. Cunningham found Duren for three straight dunks, giving Detroit a 99-93 advantage.

Harden made a jumper to stop that run and cut the lead to four, but the Cavs never got closer. The Pistons kept the Cavs at bay and ultimately ended the game with an 18-8 run. Tobias Harris had a big shot to put Detroit up 105-96.

Cunningham had 23 points and seven assists, Harris added 20 points and Duncan Robinson scored 19. Duren posted an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Mitchell's 23 points led Cleveland. Harden added 22 points alongside eight rebounds and seven assists, but he also had seven of the Cavs' 19 turnovers. Detroit had just 11 as a team.

Another big difference was at the free throw line, where Detroit went 27-of-35 while Cleveland made 15-of-16.

Fans and analysts gave their impression of how this series might go based on their views of Game 1. Some believe the Pistons will win this easily, while others think the Cavs will come back strong.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will go down on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET in Detroit.