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Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Keys To Defeating The Detroit Pistons

By Quenton S. Albertie

Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) points down the court during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) points down the court during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) fight for a rebound during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) fight for a rebound during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Rebounds

The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing one of the premier centers (and rebounders) in the league in Andre Drummond. Drummond collects 13.8 out of the Pistons 44.2 rebounds and 10.4 out of the 34.8 defensive rebounds. With him being responsible for more than a third of the Pistons rebounds, it should suffice to say that the Detroit Pistons don’t have many strong rebounders outside of Drummond. In fact, starting power forward Tobias Harris only averages 4.8 defensive rebounds per game.

While the Pistons big men are only lower end of the spectrum when it comes to closing out defensive possessions, the Cleveland Cavaliers have two elite offensive rebounders. Tristan Thompson (3.5 offensive rebounds per game) and Kevin Love (3.2 offensive rebounds per game) should be able to get the Cavs the opportunity to rack up on second-chance points. Against the New York Knicks, the Pistons gave up 19 offensive rebounds and it led to 15 second-chance points. If the Cleveland Cavaliers turns even half of their offensive rebounds to second-chance points, the Pistons will be in for a long day.