The Cleveland Cavaliers finally managed to win a game with a 110-91 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The Cavs seemed to turn a new leaf after a turbulent week that saw the squad drop three games by a combined eight points, including a 4-point loss to the Houston Rockets that saw guard Darius Garland drop a near-season-high 39 points. Cavaliers had played in calmer waters for most of the season as they hold a record of 36-6, the best in the league and a testament to how far they had come from seasons past.
The guard duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, who are now in their third season together had a combined 43 points in what would ultimately be a bout on the interior for both sides. Cleveland and Detroit hit a combined 27.5% of their 3-point attempts. Only one Cavalier shot at a rate above 35%.
Mitchell battled against Detroit’s taller guards to overcome a cold spell in the second quarter and finish the game with six makes on 12 tries from the floor. Jarrett Allen had 16 points and 11 rebounds as he continued to be an interior anchor for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He added four assists as he continuously found his frontcourt partner forward Evan Mobley in the right place at the right time.
The Cavs will move on to face the Miami Heat before beginning a short 3-game home stretch. The Heat are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 23-22 and a home record of 12-9.
STORY BY SALIFU ZAKARI ZEBA
