The Cavaliers walked out of Detroit frustrated Friday night.
They also walked out confident.
Playing without starting guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, the Cavs pushed the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons to overtime before falling, 122-119.
The Cavs missed two key free throws late in regulation. Then rookie Jaylon Tyson fouled Daniss Jenkins on a halfcourt three with under five seconds left. Jenkins hit all three free throws to force overtime.
“They aren’t in our class,” one Cavs player told Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
Mobley’s message
Forward Evan Mobley believes the bigger picture favors Cleveland.
“I feel like we’re one of the top teams,” Mobley said. “They’ve got to face us, honestly. … Just got to play our best in April and May and June.”
Mobley finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, his strongest outing since returning from a calf strain.
“Much better,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “He’s starting to catch a groove.”
Injury updates
Mitchell is dealing with a right groin strain.
“We don’t love soft tissue injuries,” Atkinson said. “The feedback I’m getting is that it’s not a long-term thing.”
Harden has a fractured right thumb and is wearing a brace.
“The thing’s broken,” Atkinson said. “If you have a hard time dribbling and catching, that’s tough.”
Guard Keon Ellis is out with a finger fracture suffered diving for a loose ball.
Either way, the Cavs insist this one will serve as fuel when it means the most.
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