The Cleveland Cavaliers again faltered in the details on Thursday night, falling 107-97 to the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 at Little Caesars Arena and slipping behind 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
Cleveland committed nine turnovers in the first half, spotting Detroit an early cushion that proved decisive. The Cavaliers finished with 13 giveaways overall but managed just one after intermission, a correction that arrived too late to change the outcome.
Guard James Harden struggled from the opening tip, missing eight of nine shots in the first half while recording three turnovers and one assist. According to NBA data, it marked the 30th postseason game of his career with more turnovers than made field goals.
Donovan Mitchell tried to drag the visitors back, pouring in 31 points and attacking the lane throughout the night. His surge helped Cleveland edge ahead briefly in the fourth quarter, but the lead evaporated when Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson buried back-to-back three-pointers for Detroit.
Pistons guard Cade Cunningham steered the offense with 25 points and 10 assists, controlling pace without forcing shots. Harris added timely perimeter scoring, while Robinson’s long-range accuracy shut the door in the closing minutes.
Cleveland’s frontcourt failed to provide its usual presence. Evan Mobley managed nine points and just one rebound in 36 minutes; Jarrett Allen also committed early turnovers that led directly to Detroit points. Reserve forward Ron Holland collected two rebounds in nine minutes, outpacing Mobley on the glass.
“I don’t know what it is. Obviously, still haven’t figured that one out,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said of the team’s slow starts. “Still back to the drawing board.”
The series shifts to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for Games 3 and 4. Cleveland must tighten execution quickly with its margin for error shrinking.
Source: Hoops Wire
