The Cleveland Cavaliers were completely outclassed from start to finish in Saturday’s 129-93 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
The absence of Kevin Love was felt as the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Detroit Pistons by 36 points Saturday evening. Even if Love would have suited up a loss may have still been the result.
The Cleveland Cavaliers did briefly lead in the game, the last instance being 5-4 in the first quarter. However Detroit went on a run and the game was not close afterward. Cleveland was outscored in the first quarter after their last lead 38-18.
The second quarter was not any better, Cleveland managed only 15 points and Detroit stretched their lead out to 31 points. The third quarter saw the Cavaliers cut into the lead a bit, outscoring Detroit 34-29. The fourth quarter was more similar to the first half, Detroit outscored Cleveland 29-21 as the game came to an anticlimactic end.
Detroit outshot Cleveland 54 percent from the field and 54.1 percent from three-point range. Cleveland shot 34.2 and 38.2 percent respectively. Detroit out-rebounded Cleveland 51-33. The Pistons blocked eight shots while the Cavaliers only managed one block. Detroit recorded more assists in the contest, 27 compared to Cleveland’s 15.
Cleveland was led by Collin Sexton’s 16 points. That would be good news except Sexton went 3-13 from the field. Sexton’s overall point total was boosted by making 10 of 13 shots from the free throw line.
Jordan Clarkson recorded his 54th double-digit scoring effort off the bench with 11 points. Clarkson also struggled making four of 13 shot attempts and all three free throw attempts.
Larry Nance Jr. scored 11 points on 4-7 from the field. Nance made two of four three-pointers in the contest.
Cleveland was clearly the lesser of two teams Saturday. The Cavaliers still have the third-worst record and are in the mix for the top pick in the draft.
