Cavs: CLE back in the winning column with rout over the Pistons

Cavs smother Detroit en route to blowout

The Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded hard from a close loss to defeat the Detroit Pistons at home for their fifth win in six contests this month. Leaning on their newfound defensive identity, the Cavs completely smothered their struggling division rivals to secure a 98-78 blowout win.

Darius Garland once again led the Cavaliers with 21 points, seven assists, and two steals, while rookie Evan Mobley outshined Cade Cunningham with 16 points, seven boards, three blocks, and two steals in the blowout win.

The number three pick from this year’s loaded draft class not only trumped Detroit’s top overall selection but also continued to prove his ability to provide an immediate impact, helping the Cavs to an 8-5 record this early in the season and invalidating pundits’ projections.

Cunningham only finished with nine points, six rebounds, and three assists, while also committing seven turnovers. Jerami Grant was the top scorer for Detroit with 16 points in the loss.

Following a heartbreaking loss to the Washington Wizards less than two nights ago, the Cavaliers stepped on the accelerator hard against the Pistons to lead by as much as 27 at one point in the contest, leaving no chance for another late collapse.

Cavs looking for a sound finish in homestand

Not only was 27 the Cavaliers’ biggest lead against Detroit, but it also appears to be the magic number tonight: they finished with the same number of assists, as well as points scored off Pistons’ turnovers.

Despite still missing key cogs Collin Sexton, Kevin Love, and Lauri Markkanen, the much-improved Cleveland squad was actually tipped by oddsmaker to win a game, the first time in quite a while. Thankfully, they delivered.

Isaac Okoro being back in the starting lineup made a lot of difference. While it doesn’t pop up in the box scores, the defensive-minded swingman once again played a vital role on the defensive end as the Cavs forced Detroit to turn the ball over 23 times. Especially crucial as the team’s other wing defender Lamar Stevens was taken out early with an ankle sprain.

Cleveland’s bench mob also kept showing up, with Cedi Osman adding much-needed scoring punch from the bench with 17 points, while Ricky Rubio continued to orchestrate the offense with nine dimes coupled with another solid defensive effort that produced five huge steals.

The Cavaliers won’t have much time to recuperate, with barely 24 hours turnaround until the first of two back-to-back home matchups against the Boston Celtics immediately on the horizon.

Although facing early-season struggles, the Celtics have multiple All-Star caliber players and are objectively better than their record suggests, potentially posting some matchup problems for the young Cavs team. Time for another acid test (or two).