Like I said, schedule loss. The Cavs ran out of gas. Credit to them for making a huge run in the 4th but Garland's miss of an uncontested corner 3 that would have cut the lead to 2 points with 2:55 to go led to a Cavs collapse.
With the benefit of two days of rest after a home game the Pistons just had more energy and more intensity than the Cavs. I thought that with Cunningham out and then Tobias Harris as well the Pistons would really be strapped for scoring. No problem, with Tim Hardaway Jr leading the way with 32 points the Pistons lit up the Cavs for 132 after averaging 102 in the first three games against the Cavs. Once again the Cavs were thrashed on the defensive glass giving up 16 offensive rebounds.
The Pistons, despite missing three starters in Cade, Harris, and Ivey, got to the line 35 times. They also hit 44.1% of their 3's. I think the Cavs' tired legs were a factor in all the fouling, although the Pistons' game is to attack the rim.
The main takeaway is that Donovan Mitchell is back. In back-to-back games he played 71 minutes scoring 63 points and dishing out 17 assists. This is the guy we'll need in the playoffs.
Craig Porter Jr had a great game with a line of 9/5/2 and 3 steals in 21 minutes. If Ty Jerome leaves after this season I'm confident CPJ can take up the slack, especially if he gets minutes every night.
Evan Mobley was checked out despite having two days of rest. He had a line of 9/6/4 in 33 minutes and a staggering -23. Jarrett Allen looks gassed. I applaud his goal of playing in 82 games but he was all but useless tonight and Kenny knew it, playing him only 19 minutes.
The Pistons' center rotation of Duren and Stewart completely outplayed Mobley and Allen, combining for 30 points and 17 rebounds. Another example of centers who are very physical overwhelming our skinny duo.
Javonte Green may be making a push for playoff minutes. The last two nights the Cavs outscored the opponents by 26 points in the 22 minutes he was on the floor.
The Cavs scrapped, but 14 turnovers, 35 free throws by the opponent along with 16 offensive rebounds and 44% on 3's is tough to overcome. JBB has the Pistons playing mad dog defense, contesting every pass, denying, overplaying and hacking in the paint. The Pistons committed 29 fouls, but that's their game. When the refs "let 'em play" it's to the Pistons' advantage.
Austin Carr had a good point in that the Pistons try to muck up the game, denying every pass, grabbing players away from the ball, fouling hard, and not letting the offense flow. Mitchell almost had no choice but to go one-on-one as it was tough to get passes off.
It looked like a physical team against a finesse team tonight.
I don't know if Strus and Jerome would have made a difference but I'm sure Cunningham and Harris would and I assume we will see them if we get Detroit in the playoffs, which we very well might. All they have to do is beat Indiana. That will be one heck of a physical series.
