Cavs let statement game slip away, fall short vs. Pistons

The Cavaliers failed a test they knew was coming.

This was a game Cleveland needed, and one it let get away. Against a physical Pistons group sitting atop the East, the Cavs couldn’t hold the paint, couldn’t finish possessions, and ultimately couldn’t close in a 114-110 home loss that felt avoidable and aggravating.

The opening quarter teased something better. Cleveland forced seven turnovers and held Detroit to 19 points. The defense was connected. The effort was there.

Then the second quarter wiped it all out.

Detroit walked downhill, scored 47 points in 12 minutes, and exposed Cleveland’s thin frontcourt. The Cavs lost the quarter by 19, lost control of the interior, and spent the rest of the night trying to dig out.

To their credit, they fought back. Donovan Mitchell scored 13 in the third, and Cleveland briefly tied the game. But Detroit never blinked.

An offensive rebound and putback by Ausar Thompson in the final minute summed it up. Stronger team. Sharper team. Better finish.

Cleveland (20-17) was without Jarrett Allen and Dean Wade, and it showed. Detroit won the paint 40-30 and grabbed 14 offensive rebounds. Too many second chances. Too many easy baskets.

Mitchell finished with 30 points. Darius Garland added 16. Cade Cunningham led Detroit (26-9) with 27.

This was supposed to be a measuring-stick game. Instead, it was a reminder.

The Cavs are close. They are not there yet.

Next chance comes Tuesday in Indiana.