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| Photo Credit: elevenwarriors.com |
The Detroit Pistons haven't made the playoffs since 2009. What's their consolation? Lebron James and the defending Eastern Conference Champion, Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs and Pistons square off in the NBA's one-eight matchup. Cleveland is coming off a rocky season that includes the firing of their 30-11 coach, David Blatt, along with social media beefs, unfollows, and other spats that you would only see on reality t.v.
Considering all that's gone on, they've managed to end the season on a high-note. Lebron James has elevated his game and reminded the world why he's been dubbed the best player in the league for nearly the last decade.
In his last 10 games, he's averaging 28.4 points, 8.5 assists, and eight rebounds while shooting 63 percent from the field. In that span, he's also upped his three-point shooting all the way to 52 percent.
The Detroit Pistons have surprised the entire league this season as they've improved by 12 games from last season under the helm of head coach Stan Van Gundy.
Led by first-time all-star center Andre Drummond, the Pistons have used and efficient pick-and-roll game with Drummond and star point guard Reggie Jackson to lead the team to the playoffs.
The duo also is surrounded athletic wing players who can shoot the three and drive to the rim. Van Gundy added to his strong nucleus in February by trading for Tobias Harris from the Orlando Magic. Harris has been a solid fit for Detroit, scoring nearly 17 points a game since joining the team.
Cleveland will have to cross their fingers and hope that their star-studded lineup stays healthy in this year's playoffs. Last season saw Kevin Love go down in round one versus the Boston Celtics and Kyrie Irving injure his knee in game one of the NBA Finals.
Only three number eight seeds have upstaged a number one seed in the NBA Playoffs, the latest being in 2007.
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