The Cavaliers were down seven with 2:40 left to go in the 3rd and went on a run to take the lead into the 4th quarter; it was the critical stretch of the game led by the defense of Isaac Okoro and shot making of Max Strus, who made two threes during the run.
The starting backcourt for the Cavs, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Strus combined for 64 of the 110 points for Cleveland on the night, and each took turns making big shots in the game.
Caris LeVert was out on Saturday with a left knee injury.
On Saturday, Max Strus and Darius Garland each contributed 22 points, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 110-101 victory over the Detroit Pistons, who suffered their 17th consecutive loss.
The Pistons, now with a dismal record of 2-18, are enduring the longest losing streak in a single season in franchise history. This streak is the second-longest overall, trailing a 21-game slide at the end of the 1979-80 season and the beginning of the 1980-81 season. Their last victory dates back to October 28 against Chicago, and they have struggled with a 4-41 record since last season’s trade deadline.
Donovan Mitchell chipped in 20 points for Cleveland, while Jarrett Allen contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. Cade Cunningham posted 23 points and 11 assists for Detroit, and Bojan Bogdanovic scored 22 points in his season debut.
Detroit initiated the second half with a 10-0 run, seizing a 58-54 lead and extending it to eight points. However, Cleveland responded with an 11-0 run, claiming an 81-77 lead with 1:13 remaining in the quarter.
Although Detroit outscored the Cavaliers 34-31 in the period, Allen’s layup in the closing seconds propelled Cleveland to an 85-82 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Cavs quickly widened the gap, establishing a 10-point lead.
Despite Jaden Ivey’s free throw narrowing the margin to 96-92 with 6:01 left, a missed three-pointer by Bogdanovic with 3:29 remaining proved crucial. Garland scored on the other end, and after another missed attempt by Bogdanovic, Mitchell increased the lead to 104-97.
With 2:13 left, Jalen Duren missed two free throws, and Allen’s tip effectively secured the victory for Cleveland.
Up Next
Host Orlando on Wednesday night.
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