Pistons learned a lesson in tough Game 7 loss to Cavaliers

The Detroit Pistons had high hopes heading into Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but things went the other way as the team fell hard, losing 125-94.

So, what happened? That's something this team will study for weeks to come, but the outcome simply hurts if you're a Pistons fan.

Now, the Cavs are advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018. They'll take on the New York Knicks.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Jarrett Allen had 23 points, Evan Mobley clocked 21 and Sam Merrill managed 23 off the bench.

For Detroit, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren combined for 20 points. In general, Detroit just had a hard time getting going on the court and scoring baskets.

Pistons need to move ahead and get Cade Cunningham help

The lesson learned is that the Pistons have to make this team more of a combined effort, in that when Cunningham has an off night, they still have to survive.

Cunningham needs another standout on this roster to take things to the next level. They need more veteran help. It's frustrating to see just how talented this Detroit lineup is, but they can't get over that hurdle.

Cunningham has shouldered a lot of this work himself. Not that the rest of Detroit hasn't worked hard, too, because they have, but through Game 6, Cunningham averaged more than 41 minutes. In contrast, Joel Embiid averaged 33 and Jaylen Brown averaged 35.6.

He did it all, and he'll be on the fast track to burn out if he doesn't get some real help.