Hunting for reliable Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons match player stats means digging through scattered box scores and outdated recaps. You waste time piecing together numbers that should live in one place. This guide organizes scoring, rebounding, shooting, and defense into clear tables, then anchors everything to the most recent verified meeting so you get the full picture fast.
📌 Quick Stats Recap: Most Recent Meeting
Game 7 — 2026 Eastern Conference Semifinals (May 17, 2026)
Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers 125 – Detroit Pistons 94 (at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit)
Series context: 4th-seeded Cavaliers defeated the 1st-seeded Pistons
Top Scorer: Donovan Mitchell — 26 PTS, 8 AST, 6 REB
Key Performer: Evan Mobley — 21 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST
Bench Spark: Sam Merrill — 23 PTS (5/8 3PM)
Pistons Leader: Daniss Jenkins — 17 PTS, 5 AST
Cade Cunningham: 13 PTS, 5 AST
Source: NBA.com Official Box Scores
This page is a head-to-head player averages and matchup analysis guide. The callout above is the exact box score from the latest game. The tables below are season matchup averages, not a live feed.
What Do the Latest Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons Match Player Stats Reveal?
The Cavaliers and Pistons meet multiple times each season as Central Division opponents, and their 2026 playoff series added a new layer to the rivalry. Each game produces box score data that shows who controls the tempo and which matchups tilt the scoreboard.
When you review the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons match player stats from the 2025–2026 season, a clear pattern shows up. Cleveland dictates pace through guard play and three-point volume. Detroit fights for second-chance points on the offensive glass.
| Stat Category (2025–2026 Season Avg) | Cavaliers | Pistons |
| Points Per Game | 114.8 | 104.2 |
| Field Goal % | 48.1% | 43.9% |
| Three-Point % | 38.4% | 33.7% |
| Total Rebounds | 43.1 | 45.4 |
| Assists | 27.6 | 23.1 |
| Turnovers | 11.6 | 15.4 |
| Free Throw % | 79.4% | 73.9% |
These figures combine the four regular-season meetings and the seven-game playoff series from the 2025–2026 campaign. Cleveland’s edge shows up most clearly in three-point percentage and turnover margin, two categories that track closely with wins in this matchup (NBA.com/stats).
Who Leads Scoring in Cavaliers vs Pistons Games?
Scoring leadership shifts from game to game, but a few names keep landing near the top of the box score. Donovan Mitchell carries Cleveland’s offensive load in most high-leverage possessions against Detroit.
Game 7 did not follow the usual script in one important way. Mitchell still led Cleveland with 26 points and added 8 assists and 6 rebounds, but Sam Merrill’s 23 bench points nearly matched him. On Detroit’s side, Daniss Jenkins led the Pistons with 17 points, while Cade Cunningham was held to 13.
| Player (2025–2026 Matchup Avg) | Team | PPG | FG% | 3PT% | FTA |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 28.4 | 46.5% | 38.2% | 7.6 |
| Darius Garland | Cavaliers | 21.8 | 45.4% | 40.6% | 3.3 |
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 23.6 | 43.1% | 34.4% | 7.1 |
| Evan Mobley | Cavaliers | 16.3 | 53.8% | 28.1% | 3.8 |
| Jaden Ivey | Pistons | 15.1 | 41.6% | 32.8% | 4.4 |
Mitchell still creates his own shot at all three levels across the full season sample. He attacks the paint against Detroit’s perimeter defenders and draws free throws at a high rate, which is why his season matchup average sits above his Game 7 line.
Garland complements Mitchell by stretching the floor. His three-point shooting pulls Detroit’s bigs away from the basket and opens driving lanes for the rest of the roster.
How Do Rebounding Numbers Compare in This Matchup?
Rebounding often decides close games in this series. Detroit usually holds a slight edge on the glass because Jalen Duren attacks the offensive boards with a high motor.
Cleveland answers with team rebounding. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley both produce double-digit nights, and Cleveland’s guards crash harder than most Eastern Conference backcourts.
Game 7 flipped the individual highlight. Evan Mobley posted 12 rebounds to go with 21 points and 6 assists, giving Cleveland a two-way anchor on the road.
| Player (2025–2026 H2H Avg) | Team | RPG | ORPG | DRPG |
| Jalen Duren | Pistons | 12.1 | 4.5 | 7.6 |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 10.7 | 3.3 | 7.4 |
| Evan Mobley | Cavaliers | 8.5 | 2.3 | 6.2 |
| Isaiah Stewart | Pistons | 7.1 | 2.7 | 4.4 |
| Ausar Thompson | Pistons | 6.4 | 1.8 | 4.6 |
Duren’s offensive rebounds create extra possessions that keep Detroit close. When he grabs four or more offensive boards, Detroit’s second-half scoring usually rises.
Cleveland’s plan is to cut those second chances off. Allen boxes out on every shot, and Mobley uses his length to contest putbacks before they reach the rim.
Which Players Dominate Assists in This Rivalry?
Ball movement separates an efficient offense from a stagnant one. Cleveland’s backcourt creates more assists than Detroit’s because the offense runs through constant pick-and-roll actions.
Darius Garland is Cleveland’s primary playmaker across the season sample. His chemistry with Jarrett Allen produces lobs and dump-down passes against Detroit’s drop coverage.
In Game 7, the assist sheet looked different. Mitchell handed out 8 assists, and Mobley added 6. Jenkins led Detroit with 5 assists, matching Cunningham’s 5.
| Player (2025–2026 H2H Avg) | Team | APG | AST/TO Ratio |
| Darius Garland | Cavaliers | 8.4 | 3.6 |
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 7.5 | 2.2 |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 5.8 | 2.4 |
| Ty Jerome | Cavaliers | 4.5 | 3.9 |
| Jaden Ivey | Pistons | 3.6 | 1.6 |
Garland’s assist-to-turnover ratio is the season-long story. He creates shots without giving the ball away, which limits Detroit’s transition chances.
Cunningham carries a heavy usage rate for Detroit. His assist totals climb when Cleveland traps the pick-and-roll and forces him to find corner shooters. That creation did not show up in Game 7, when Cleveland held him to 13 points and 5 assists.
What Do Defensive Stats Tell Us About Each Game?
Defense decides the close games, and the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons match player stats on that end tell a clear story. Cleveland ranks among the NBA’s best defensive units. Detroit’s young wings can lock in for stretches, then lose the margin when Cleveland moves the ball.
Evan Mobley anchors Cleveland’s defense with his shot-blocking and ability to switch. He can stay with a perimeter player and still recover to the rim as a helper.
| Player (2025–2026 H2H Avg) | Team | SPG | BPG | Def Rtg |
| Evan Mobley | Cavaliers | 1.2 | 2.1 | 103.4 |
| Jarrett Allen | Cavaliers | 0.9 | 1.6 | 105.1 |
| Ausar Thompson | Pistons | 1.8 | 0.7 | 108.4 |
| Jalen Duren | Pistons | 0.6 | 1.3 | 110.8 |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 1.4 | 0.3 | 107.2 |
Mobley’s block numbers rise against Detroit because the Pistons attack the rim often. His timing turns drives into contested mid-range jumpers.
Ausar Thompson supplies Detroit’s best perimeter defense. His steal rate reflects active hands and quick feet, but Cleveland’s ball movement usually wears that pressure down by the second quarter.
How Did the 2026 Playoff Series Reshape This Rivalry?
The 2026 Eastern Conference Semifinals turned a divisional matchup into a real series. Cleveland won in seven games. Detroit pushed a more experienced roster to the limit and showed that its young core can survive a long playoff run.
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons match player stats from that series were tighter than the regular season suggested. Detroit’s defense improved, and several role players logged heavy minutes against an elite opponent.
| 2026 Series Stat | Cavaliers | Pistons |
| Series Result | 4–3 Win | 3–4 Loss |
| Seed | 4th | 1st |
| Avg Points Per Game | 108.6 | 103.1 |
| Avg Margin | +5.5 | -5.5 |
| FG% (Series) | 45.2% | 42.8% |
| 3PT% (Series) | 35.9% | 31.4% |
| Turnovers Per Game | 13.2 | 14.8 |
Game 7 was played at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, not in Cleveland. The 4th-seeded Cavaliers won 125–94 on the road against the 1st-seeded Pistons.
Mitchell scored 26 points with 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Mobley added 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Merrill scored 23 points off the bench and made 5 of 8 threes. Jenkins led Detroit with 17 points and 5 assists. Cunningham finished with 13 points and 5 assists.
That road closeout is the number that resets this rivalry. Detroit had home court and the higher seed. Cleveland still controlled the night (Basketball-Reference).
Which Cavaliers Players Stand Out Against Detroit?
Cleveland’s depth is the advantage in this matchup. Mitchell and Garland set the season baseline, but role players keep swinging games when Detroit loads up on the stars.
Jarrett Allen scores inside against Detroit’s drop coverage. His rim runs in the pick-and-roll create dunks and layups that are hard to contest once the big has to step up.
| Player | Role | Key Stat vs DET (2025–2026) | On-Court Impact |
| Donovan Mitchell | Primary Scorer | 28.4 PPG; 26 PTS in Game 7 | Creates his own shot at three levels |
| Evan Mobley | Two-Way Anchor | 21 PTS, 12 REB, 6 AST in Game 7 | Scores, rebounds, and protects the rim |
| Darius Garland | Playmaker | 8.4 APG | Runs the pick-and-roll |
| Jarrett Allen | Rim Runner | 10.7 RPG | Controls the paint on both ends |
| Sam Merrill | Floor Spacer | 23 PTS, 5/8 3PM in Game 7 | Punishes help defense off the bench |
Merrill is the clearest Game 7 example. When Detroit collapsed on Cleveland’s main creators, he spotted up and made 5 of 8 threes on the way to 23 points. That is the shot profile that forces a coaching adjustment.
Which Pistons Players Rise to the Challenge Against Cleveland?
Detroit’s young core treats Cleveland as a measuring stick. Cade Cunningham is still the franchise lead guard across the season sample, even though Game 7 did not follow that script.
Jalen Duren battles Allen and Mobley on every possession. His physicality lets him compete on the glass even when Cleveland’s length shows up in help defense.
| Player | Role | Key Stat vs CLE (2025–2026) | On-Court Impact |
| Cade Cunningham | Franchise PG | 23.6 PPG; 13 PTS, 5 AST in Game 7 | Attacks switches and creates |
| Jalen Duren | Starting Center | 12.1 RPG | Dominates the offensive glass |
| Jaden Ivey | Scoring Guard | 15.1 PPG | Pushes pace in transition |
| Ausar Thompson | Wing Defender | 1.8 SPG | Disrupts Cleveland’s guard actions |
| Daniss Jenkins | Game 7 Leader | 17 PTS, 5 AST on May 17, 2026 | Led Detroit in the closeout loss |
Ivey’s transition scoring gives Detroit easy baskets before Cleveland’s defense is set. His speed in the open court is a problem for bigger defenders who are slow to retreat.
Jenkins, not Cunningham, led the Pistons in Game 7. That single-game line matters if you are checking the latest box score. It does not replace Cunningham’s larger season role.
What Role Do Bench Players Play in These Matchups?
Bench scoring often swings these games. Cleveland’s second unit outproduces Detroit’s in most categories because the roster has more shot-makers who do not need the ball in their hands.
Detroit leans on its starters. When Cunningham and Duren sit, scoring droughts show up. Cleveland’s reserves usually stretch a lead or erase an early deficit during those minutes.
| Bench Unit (2025–2026 H2H Avg) | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
| Cavaliers Reserves | 34.1 | 14.2 | 8.5 | 44.4% |
| Pistons Reserves | 25.8 | 11.1 | 5.8 | 40.5% |
The gap in bench scoring is a real competitive edge for Cleveland. Game 7 made that concrete: Merrill scored 23 points off the bench while the game got away from Detroit at home.
Detroit’s bench trouble comes from limited shot creation. Without a second ball-handler, the second unit settles for contested jumpers and the efficiency drops.
How Do Shooting Percentages Differ Between the Two Teams?
Shooting splits are the clearest line in any Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons match player stats breakdown. Cleveland shoots better from every area of the floor, and that gap adds up over four quarters.
Detroit’s lower percentages fit a younger shot profile. Those players take harder shots and finish through contact at a lower rate than Cleveland’s more seasoned scorers.
| Shot Zone (2025–2026 H2H) | Cavaliers FG% | Pistons FG% | Gap |
| Restricted Area | 69.4% | 62.8% | +6.6% |
| Mid-Range | 43.5% | 38.1% | +5.4% |
| Corner Three | 40.9% | 35.4% | +5.5% |
| Above-the-Break Three | 37.1% | 32.2% | +4.9% |
| Effective FG% (Overall) | 54.6% | 49.4% | +5.2% |
Cleveland’s rim advantage comes from Mitchell’s finishes and Allen’s lobs. Detroit’s interior points lean on Duren’s putbacks, which Mobley and Allen contest at a high rate.
The three-point gap matters most late. Merrill’s 5-for-8 night in Game 7 is the extreme version of a season-long trend: Cleveland’s kick-out threes stretch the floor, and Detroit’s misses start Cleveland’s fast break (ESPN NBA Stats).
What Can Historical Trends Tell Us About Future Matchups?
The longer sample still favors Cleveland, but Detroit’s climb is real. The Pistons earned the 1st seed and home court for Game 7. Cleveland still closed the series on the road, 125–94.
That result does not erase Detroit’s growth. It does show that seed and building are not enough when Cleveland’s shot-making and bench scoring both land on the same night.
| Trend (2023–2026) | Direction | Key Factor |
| Scoring Margin | Narrowing in the regular season | Detroit’s offense keeps improving |
| Game 7 Result | Cleveland road win | Merrill, Mitchell, and Mobley all produced |
| Rebounding Battle | Competitive | Duren’s development vs. Mobley’s Game 7 glass work |
| Turnover Differential | Favoring Cleveland | Veteran poise in long possessions |
| Pace of Play | Increasing | Both teams push tempo |
Turnovers remain the late-game separator. Cleveland protects the ball when the possession matters. Detroit’s younger guards still force passes under pressure, and those live-ball mistakes become transition points.
Where Can You Find Live Cavaliers vs Pistons Player Stats?
Live stats help you track a game as it happens. Several sites update the box score with play-by-play detail and tracking data.
NBA.com has the fullest live feed, including shot charts. Basketball-Reference is better for historical context once the game is final. Use the callout at the top of this page for the May 17, 2026 Game 7 line, then open a live source for the next tip-off.
| Platform | Live Stats | Shot Charts | Advanced Metrics | Cost |
| NBA.com | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free |
| ESPN App | Yes | Limited | Partial | Free |
| Basketball-Reference | Delayed | No | Yes | Free |
| NBA League Pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Paid |
| The Athletic | Delayed | No | Yes | Paid |
For the most current Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons match player stats during a live game, NBA.com and the NBA app update with the shortest delay. Shot charts show where each basket came from, which a raw points column cannot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last Cavaliers vs Pistons game?
Cleveland won Game 7 of the 2026 Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 17, 2026, by a score of 125–94 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The 4th-seeded Cavaliers beat the 1st-seeded Pistons on the road. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 26 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds.
What is the all-time record between Cleveland and Detroit?
The all-time series still leans toward Detroit because of the championship years in the late 1980s and early 2000s. Cleveland has closed that gap over the past five seasons and took the latest playoff series in seven games.
Who is the top scorer in Cavaliers vs Pistons history?
LeBron James holds the highest career scoring average in this matchup from his two stints with Cleveland. Among active players, Donovan Mitchell leads the season matchup sample. In the latest game he scored 26, not a 30-point night, with Merrill next at 23 off the bench.
How often do the Cavaliers and Pistons play each season?
They play four regular-season games as Central Division rivals. Two are at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland and two are at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Extra meetings happen if the teams meet in the playoffs, as they did in the 2026 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Where can I watch Cavaliers vs Pistons games live?
National games air on ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. Local coverage runs on FanDuel Sports Network for Cleveland and FanDuel Sports Network Detroit for Detroit. NBA League Pass streams out-of-market games.
What are the key stats to watch in this matchup?
Watch three-point shooting, offensive rebounds, and turnovers. Those three categories have tracked the result across the 2023–2026 sample. In Game 7, also watch bench threes: Merrill made 5 of 8 and scored 23.
Check the Next Box Score Against This Baseline
You now have the verified May 17, 2026 Game 7 line and the season averages that sit underneath it. Mitchell’s 26-point, 8-assist night, Mobley’s 21-12-6, Merrill’s 23 bench points, and Jenkins’s 17-point Pistons lead are the numbers from the latest meeting at Little Caesars Arena. The tables show how those names usually perform across the wider 2025–2026 sample.
Bookmark this page before the next tip-off. Share it with your fantasy group or anyone still quoting the wrong building and the wrong Game 7 line. Then open the live box score on NBA.com and see which season trend holds and which one breaks.