This was hands down the best game of the series for the Pistons, but they weren’t able to avoid the sweep at the hand of the top seeded Cavaliers–a very parallel result to their last playoff appearance seven years ago. Hopefully they keep the symmetry up and make the next six conference finals.
Missing seven straight threes in the fourth really did a number on the Pistons’ chances. They still shot well for the game, but that stretch allowed the Cavs’ lead to get a little too big. The Pistons had some success playing a super small lineup with Tobias Harris at center late in the game–even against the Cavs’ starting five. Unfortunately, that group really struggled to corral rebounds. Otherwise, this series probably goes another game. That said, they still had a great shot if the refs hadn’t missed the loose ball foul on Tristan Thompson with about two minutes remaining. A pair of Morris free throws with no time off the clock would have been just what the doctor ordered. It’s hard to blame this one on the refs, officiating was pretty even both ways, but that was a brutal no-call at a crucial moment.