Pistons strike first, defeat Cavaliers in Eastern semifinal opener

Detroit — No team wants a playoff series to go the distance of seven games. Not only can it take a lot out of a team in terms of energy, but the quick turnaround also leaves no time to prepare for the next opponent. For the Detroit Pistons, coach J.

B. Bickerstaff understands how grueling a seven-game series can be. However, similar to how the Pistons have handled each problem they have faced during his two-year tenure, Bickerstaff decided to use it to the team’s advantage.

Two days after leading the Pistons to their first postseason victory in 18 years, Detroit used the lessons learned from the first round to take a 111-101 Game 1 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night inside Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinals series 1-0. "I think all the experiences that we go through, as we continue to grow into the team that we finally want to be, are great for us," Bickerstaff said.

"I know being three [games] down isn’t where you want to be, but it was great for us to understand what we needed to do in order to play in elimination games – one at home, then on the road – then get to a Game 7. Those are all experiences you don’t get unless you go through them. Learning what you need to do to win a playoff series is extremely important.