The Cleveland Cavaliers, playing without several key scorers, squandered a late six-point lead and fell to the Detroit Pistons 122-119 in overtime on Friday night at Little Caesars Arena.
Cleveland entered the game minus Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Dean Wade and Keon Ellis, while Max Strus remained sidelined for the season. Despite the depleted lineup, the Cavaliers (37-24) controlled much of the fourth quarter and were up 113-107 with fewer than two minutes remaining.
Key fourth-quarter sequence
Pistons guard Cade Cunningham fouled out with 1:51 left, but Detroit (record not provided) answered immediately. After an Evan Mobley free throw extended Cleveland’s margin to three, Jaylon Tyson fouled Daniss Jenkins near mid-court. Officials ruled Jenkins was shooting, granting three free throws that tied the score at 114-all. Detroit then converted on its final eight possessions of regulation to force overtime.
Individual standouts
• Jarrett Allen paced Cleveland with 25 points on 10-of-12 shooting and nine rebounds before fouling out early in the extra period.
• Mobley looked fully recovered from earlier injuries, finishing with 23 points, 12 rebounds and four three-pointers.
• Dennis Schroder, playing through an ankle issue, delivered 12 assists but committed eight turnovers and shot 4-for-15.
• Craig Porter Jr. also handed out 12 assists for the Cavaliers.
Detroit was led by Jalen Duren’s 33 points and 16 rebounds. Cunningham added 25 points, and Ausar Thompson scored 18.
Game atmosphere
The matchup was marked by a 12-minute horn malfunction, two fan ejections and several physical confrontations, giving the late-February contest a playoff vibe.
What’s next
Cleveland travels to Brooklyn on Sunday before hosting Detroit on Tuesday. A four-day break follows, which the Cavaliers hope will help restore their health. “There’s no moral victories,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said, but he noted the team’s resilience without its top scorers.
Source: Hoops Wire
