Through the first three quarters, it seemed that the matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers (9-9) and the Detroit Pistons (4-14) would go back-and-forth until the final buzzer. Neither team was able to pull away, as a 4-point halftime lead by the Pistons was replaced by an 8-point Cavs lead to end the third.
However, the Cavs offense exploded to start the fourth, using an 11-1 run to build their lead to double-digits and bury the Pistons, 122-107.
The Cavs shooters were unfazed by the Pistons’ defenders, shooting efficiently from the field (54%) and from three (52.4%). Collin Sexton led the scoring for the Cavs, finishing with 26 points on 10-14 shooting.
The Cavs move within half a game of the Atlanta Hawks for 6th in the Eastern Conference after winning; the Pistons move back behind the Washington Wizards to the bottom of the conference.
Cavs turn turnovers into easy offense
Turnovers were the key to both teams’ game; the Cavs forced 22 by the Pistons, resulting in 30 points off turnovers. With 14 steals, the Cavs were impressive in turning the Pistons’ miscues into easy buckets in transition.
“29 assists with 22 turnovers is a bad recipe,” Pistons’ head coach Dwayne Casey said after the game.
“We were trying to do a little too much. I had quite a few turnovers too. Probably trying to do too much,” Pistons forward Jerami Grant said after the game about the turnover issues.
The Pistons were able to force 17 turnovers, but could not convert those into easy looks in the same way the Cavs did. As a team, the Pistons had only 17 points off turnovers and 5 fast-break points.
Andre Drummond makes a big impact against his former team
Cavs center Andre Drummond spent 8 seasons with the Detroit Pistons, making 2 all-star games and leading the NBA in rebounds in half of those seasons. Since being traded to Cleveland, Drummond has found a new role, especially on the offensive end. That has translated to a career-high scoring average (18.7) coming into the game.
Drummond came out with aggression in getting to the rim and getting decent shot attempts, finishing with 23 points on 9-24 shooting. His impact was felt on the defensive end as well, using his big body and size to overwhelm the Pistons’ frontcourt. His 16 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks were key to the Cavs opening up their lead.
Drummond’s status in Cleveland is up in the air; he has been included in trade rumors in recent weeks, but reports also say the Cavs are willing to sign him to a long-term deal. With the NBA trade deadline moved to March 25 this season, teams looking to find the final piece to their frontcourt rotation will be watching if Drummond’s offensive efficiency will continue over the next three months.
Jerami Grant sets Piston’s record
In a second straight game, a Pistons player has broken a franchise record for three-pointers. Last time out, Wayne Ellington broke the record for threes made in a five-game stretch, passing Chucky Atkins with 25.
This time, Jerami Grant put his name in the Pistons’ record book; he passed Jerry Stackhouse with 17 consecutive games with multiple three-pointers made. This continues what has been a career-season for Grant. His 24.3 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, and 2.8 assists per game are all career highs.
Up Next
Pistons vs. Lakers, Thursday, January 28. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Cavs vs. Knicks, Friday, January 29, Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
