The Cleveland Cavaliers were outscored by 14 points in the 4th quarter as they lost to the Detroit Pistons 115-105.
With an early 15-0 lead, it appeared the Cleveland Cavaliers were on their way to an easy win. The Cavs are clearly the better team between the two and a double-digit lead four minutes into the game appeared to signal a not so dramatic win. Cleveland was able to stave off the Pistons comeback until midway through the 4th. Detroit took the lead with just over five minutes left to play and would proceed to go on a 16-7 run from that point to make things end in a decisive manner. Cleveland only scored 17 points while a 31 point Detroit 4th handed the Cavs a very disappointing loss. This was not a game the Cavs are supposed to lose and the fact they lost in this fashion just makes it that much worse.
Leading the scoring effort of the Cavaliers was Darius Garland, scoring 24 points while shooting 50% from the field (9-18) and from thee-point range (5-10). Garland also finished with a team-high seven assists and four rebounds. Helping the Cavs cause was Evan Mobley who was able to end the game with 18 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. A no longer surprising contributor was Dean Wade, going 4-5 from deep en route to 14 points in his extended starting role.
The Cavs bench did not do much to help take the scoring load off the starters. Cedi Osman did lead with 13 points, just over half of their collective 25 bench points. The problem is that the Pistons bench totaled 43 points, including two players scoring 15 or more. When the Cavaliers bench has an off night it is going to create some issues for the Cavs and that was the case Sunday night.
Cleveland will have a chance to get back in the win column as the play host to the New Orleans Pelicans Monday at 7:00 P.M.
