Cavs Prove Playoff Potential, Upset Pistons

0:00This is Corey with NBA News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Cleveland Cavaliers show their playoff potential against the Detroit Pistons this week. After dropping a close game in Detroit on Friday, the Cavs locker room buzzed with confidence that they could take the Pistons in a full series. Then on Tuesday, they pulled out a 113-109 win at Rocket Arena, even without star Donovan Mitchell. Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff fired back before the rematch, dismissing anonymous reports of Cleveland's belief as week talk. He said, if you really mean it, you don't hide behind sources. That set the stage for a tense night where the Cavs proved their point on the court. Back up point guard Dennis Schroeder stepped up big, scoring 15 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists in 28 minutes. He told reporters they let Friday slip away, but showed they belong with the top teams. Fans loved hearing that straight talk after the victory. The Cavs clamped down on MVP candidate Cade Cunningham, holding him to just 10 points.

1:04Despite missing Mitchell for fourth game and dealing with other injuries like Jared Allen and Evan Mobley earlier, they hung tough against the East's best. With new additions like Schroeder, Keon Ellis, and veteran James Hardin, Cleveland feels ready for the postseason. The pistons still leave by 7 and a half games, but the Cavs are tied in the season series and believe they could upset the Troy comp playoffs. Quick thanks to today's sponsor, see the description for more. Headphones in a pillow. Once you try, it just makes sense.