DETROIT – The Cleveland Cavaliers have overcome almost anything.
A hangover from losing to Chicago that weekend. An unacceptable first quarter that annoyed head coach JB Bickerstaff when the Detroit Pistons built a 23 point lead in less than nine minutes. A significant deviation from the 3-point line. A controversial call mid-fourth quarter that required a lengthy review and went in Detroit’s favor. A couple of missed last minute free throws from Darius Garland – an 85% shooter. Eighteen turnovers, including an expensive one from Garland, which tied the game in the final minutes.
But it was all too much. The Cavs lost to the Eastern Conference’s worst team, 109-105. It would have been Cleveland’s first regular season since the 2009-10 season against Detroit.
Cleveland, who fell to 23 early, struggled all night and took the first lead at 6:19 on Garland’s clutch 3-pointer. But Pistons’ rookie Kilian Hayes, the seventh overall winner in the 2020 draft, hit the ground right back and threw in a tie runner. The two recovery teams went back and forth the rest of the way – until Josh Jackson got a second chance to make a game with two possession after another offensive rebound after a missed free throw. He spun with a 16.5 second lead in the backbreaking layup and pushed the lead to four points.
Jackson also took a couple of free throws at Collin Sexton’s fitness bucket to seal the win, and kissed a boisterous Cavs fan who tried to distract him during both giveaways.
The Cavs were overworked all night – and it started right after the opening tip. Jarrett Allen couldn’t handle Isaiah Stewart’s physicality. The defense efforts were also absent. They didn’t start competing until the end of the first quarter.
Stewart, one of three Detroit newbies, finished the race with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Bey was there with 20 points, 18 of them in a sizzling first quarter. Hayes ended the night with 12 points and nine assists. Detroit went 10-of-27 from 3-point range while the Cavs were only 5-of-26.
Sexton was the leader in Cleveland, scoring 28 points, four assists and seven rebounds in 12-of-20 shooting. Garland had 23 points and six assists. Kevin Love scored 15 points before eight rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein, who provided energy from the bench, achieved 13 points, six boards and four assists in 20 minutes.
After Saturday’s defeat, the Cavs discussed what they’d learned from punchy, meaningful games. Every possession is important. Don’t underestimate your opponent. There is a level of maturity that all teams must play at, regardless of the circumstances. There are certain things teams that are fighting for a play-in spot have to do.
The first quarter release would be high on that list.
Missing parts
Larry Nance Jr., who recently returned from a mysterious illness that had cost him seven games in a row, was off the team Monday night for personal reasons. The absence, sources say, has nothing to do with his health, and there are no concerns on that front. The Cavs were also without Dylan Windler and Damyean Dotson, both of whom remain inactive due to knee pain.
Detroit was again understaffed, with no seven players, including top scorer Jerami Grant.
Next
The Cavs will return home Wednesday night to face the Chicago Bulls. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
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