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Pistons' buzzer-beaters make big impact in Game 1 win
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson. Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

Pistons' buzzer-beaters make big impact in Game 1 win

By Sean Keane  |  Last updated May 5, 2026 10:34 PM ET
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The Detroit Pistons made the second-fewest three-pointers in the NBA last season. They got a big boost in their Game 1 victory thanks to two tough threes that just beat the buzzer.

Javonte Green sank a three-pointer with 1.4 seconds left in the first quarter and Ron Holland II made one of his own at the third quarter. Those shots loomed large when the Cleveland Cavaliers mounted a big fourth-quarter comeback, only to fall short in a 111-101 Pistons victory.

Last-second shots bailed out Detroit Pistons' shooters

The Pistons shot a respectable 38 percent from behind the arc in Tuesday's Game 1, though they finished only 10-of-26 from distance. That means 20 percent of their total threes came in situations where the clock forced them to bomb away from deep.

The opportunities were there not just out of desperation, but because the Cavaliers eased up in the final seconds. Green's shot came after Donovan Mitchell hit a jumper with 4.5 seconds to play in the first. In the third, Max Strus (19 points off the bench) dunked with 3.2 seconds left, yet Holland managed to get off a clean look from deep.

Perhaps the Cavaliers were worried about fouling late and giving the Pistons free throws, especially considering that Holland shot 25.3 percent on threes this season. But the extra points they surrendered made a huge difference when the Cavs made an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter that only tied the game.

Duncan Robinson carried the Pistons shooters

Half of Detroit's three-pointers in Game 1 came from one player: Duncan Robinson. The 32-year-old forward shot 5-of-8 from behind the arc. If Robinson was taking a three or the quarter was about to end, the Pistons went 7-of-10. In all other instances, the Pistons were 3-of-16.

Robinson looked like he was going to add a three-point play to his 19-point night early in the final quarter when he scored while being fouled by Mitchell. He was so fired up that he bumped James Harden, who shoved him back as the referees called double technicals. That appeared to light a fire under Harden, who'd scored just nine points up to that point.

Harden responded with a personal 9-0 run and 13 points in the fourth quarter. That may be the strategy for the Pistons going forward. Let Robinson take plenty of three-pointers, but leave the enforcing to someone else.

Sean Keane
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Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

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