The Cavs were down by two points with 5.9 seconds remaining when Cleveland's LeBron James supplied Donyell Marshall, who had the chance to give his side the lead with an easy three-point shot.

But after Marshall missed his chance, Detroit's Chauncey Billups ran down the rebound and counter-attacked effectively, making one of two free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining to give the Pistons its three-point victory.

After defeating Chicago 4-2 in the previous series playoff series, the Pistons will have to maintain their form against an in-form Cavaliers outfit that is fresh from a series victory against the New Jersey Nets.

It is the first Eastern Conference finals series the Cleveland side has made since 1992 and could lead to the Ohio club's first NBA victory since the 1950s.

Eastern Conference Finals: Game 1

Detroit Pistons 79
Cleveland Cavaliers 76