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The Detroit Pistons (14-42) gave the Cleveland Cavaliers (35-22) all they had for three quarters. But to start the fourth period, the Cavaliers opened up a 9-0 run to go up 17 and to take this one, 113-85. Cleveland is now on a four-game winning streak while also taking seven of their last 10.
Even without All-Star starter Donovan Mitchell (groin soreness) and Darius Garland (thumb soreness) the Cavaliers were still favored by 13 points before tip-off and early on, the game was trending towards being a mismatch. But Detroit never quit even when they were down 18 after 12 minutes, or down 11 at halftime. With 4:02 in the third, they cut the gap to two.
It was not carried out in the most efficient way. The Pistons ended the game shooting 37% from the floor and 25% from three-point range. However, their defensive intensity threw off the Cavaliers efficiency and game plan. Cleveland started the game carving up the Pistons young frontcourt (Jalen Duren, 19, Isaiah Stewart, 21). Jarrett Allen’s activity was the reason they jumped out to their early advantage.
At the half he accumulated 14 points to go with nine rebounds and a block. Allen finished with 20 and 14 on 9-13 shooting.
What also contributed to Cleveland’s success was their unselfishness. On 17 made baskets in the first quarter, 13 of them were assisted on. Again to Detroit’s credit they slowly but surely whittled down the Cavaliers lead and the focus on defense altered the flow of the offense. Only two more assists were made by Cleveland in the second quarter.
Cleveland answered the bell with the game tight heading into the final quarter. The 9-0 run gave them some breathing room. They then proceeded to extend their torrent attack to a 26-4 onslaught with around five minutes remaining.
Another player that brought consistent energy and hustle was Raul Neto.
He filled in for the injured Garland (22.0 PPG 8.1 APG) and bothered the Pistons guards all night long. His four steals were a major factor into Cleveland swinging the momentum back in their favor. Neto (2.9 PPG 1.3 APG) added 14 points and eight assists in 35 minutes.
Evan Mobley tallied 19 points and hauled in eight boards. They dominated the rebound department (37-23) and in assists (30-19).
Cleveland is now 1.5 games back of the Philadelphia 76ers for third place in the East. They also have won three out of the four contests with Detroit with one game left in the season series. The Cavaliers have a prime time showdown on the road with the New Orleans Pelicans Friday on TNT at 10.pm. Detroit is back in action Friday too at home against the San Antonio Spurs.
