J.B. Bickerstaff hailed the Detroit Pistons' "grit" after they ended a 12-game losing streak against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Pistons' 133-122 victory was their first over the Cavs since February 2022, while it also guaranteed their first winning season since 2016, when Bickerstaff was in charge of Cleveland.

Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a season-high 32 points on 10-of-18 shooting, while Dennis Schroder, in for the injured Cade Cunningham, had 16 points and 10 assists.

Jalen Duren added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Ausur Thompson also contributed 18 points and 10 boards for Detroit.

The Pistons were in control throughout, asserting their dominance in the second half, and Bickerstaff was delighted with how his team dug in.

"It's just grit — it's a willingness to do whatever it takes to win a game and win it together," Bickerstaff said.

"I love how balanced it was; I love how everybody contributed, everybody played their part, and everybody was involved in the fight."

Another W in the books pic.twitter.com/9ECJGETmMq

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) March 29, 2025

The Pistons out-rebounded the Cavaliers 43-41, but 16 of those boards for Detroit came on the offensive side of the court.

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson noted that this was not a new issue for the team and highlighted their need to find a solution.

"I think there's some technique stuff. I think sometimes it comes down to hitting first," said Atkinson.

"It's just physicality and aggressiveness. With rebounding, there's not a ton of tactics involved.

"At the end of the day, I think I've come to the conclusion it's whoever gets hit first, drives the other guy out, and you go get the rebound.

"It's obvious we're lacking in that area right now. I told the guys, 'Listen. What you don't want is to be down in a series 2-0 because you're getting pounded on the boards'.

"There's other things you know that can happen. But having that happen is kind of inexcusable. So, it's definitely something we got to turn to. We've got to fix."

The Pistons sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 42-32 record, while the Cavaliers remain top of the division, on 59-15.