Detroit's improved offense didn't make for a better performance against Cleveland, which took advantage of Detroit's shoddy play defensively in cruising to a 102-84 Game 1 win.

For the game, Cleveland hit 37-of-70 from the field, for 52.8 percent shooting. Detroit was 36-of-78 for 46 percent.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will be Tuesday in Cleveland.

Pistons guard Richard Hamilton was asked about whether Detroit shooting a respectable 46.2 percent for the game was a good sign.

"Not at all," Hamilton said. "When you shoot 46 percent and you still lose by almost 20, you can't hang your hat on that because there have been times this year where we shot the ball well and still lost."

So as they look at ways to put up a better showing in Game 2, improved play defensively will be at the top of the list.

Detroit's defense was ineffective against LeBron James, who had 12 first-quarter points with many coming on dunks and layups.

"Anytime you allow that, a guy that's going to touch the ball that much and that is that good of a player, you are going to put yourself in a position that they can have a big night," said Pistons coach Michael Curry.

James hurt Detroit, but he wasn't the only one making shots.

Former Piston Joe Smith had 13 points off the Cavs' bench, and guard Delonte West had a efficient 12-point, five-rebound, five-assist game.

"Defensive is the key for us," said Pistons forward Antonio McDyess. "Offense was fine, we were sharing the ball and not making turnovers. But, defensively, we're just not in sync with each other. We go to rotate, and there's no one helping. Guys are getting layups. We're just not that sharp on defense as we were years ago."

Prince banged up

Prince came into the locker room after Saturday's loss with his lower back region heavily taped. Prince said he suffered the injury in the season finale at Miami.

The injury occurred in the first quarter, but it didn't start to bother him until after he sat on the bench.

"It's not stopping me from jumping or running," Prince said. 'It just locks up when I come out the game and sit for a minute, or even in timeouts. That's why during the timeouts (on Saturday), I was standing up."

Plenty of picks for Detroit

The Pistons will be a very busy team on draft night this year. In addition to their own first round pick (No. 15 overall), they also have three second round selections -- No. 36 overall from Minnesota, No. 39 from Toronto and their own second-round pick, No. 44 overall.