The Cavaliers hold off the Pistons until the end

The Cavaliers confirmed their revenge after theirs an overtime loss in Detroit this weekend, in an equally intense matchup between two teams that we could find in the conference finals next spring.

Despite the absence of Donovan Mitchell (and the complicated matchup of James Harden), Cleveland was able to make up for the strength of its collective, from Dennis Schroeder to Jaylon Tyson through Sam Merrill to hold the Pistons to the end and steal the victory.

Dennis Schroeder leads the way

If Ron Holland and Dennis Jenkins with 3 points allowed Detroit to take the lead after 12 minutes (25-27), Cleveland was the one who achieved the first deficit of the match. The home team went on a 13-4 run fueled by Dennis Schroder and 3-pointers from the Tyson-Merrill pair to turn it over to +10 (48-38). Thanks to the trio of Thompson-Stewart-Duren, Detroit reduced the deficit at the break (54-48) and raised the tone after returning from the locker room.

Tobias Harris showed the way with efficiency, scoring 11 points in three minutes (67-66). But Cleveland didn’t budge. Better, the Cavs found something to answer each new attack, relying in turn on the mastery of Dennis Schroeder, the exploits of Craig Porter Jr. or even the incredible 3+1 of Thomas Bryant to go to +9 at the end of the third quarter (89-80).

No downtime for Detroit

Jaylon Tyson joined the fun with two more 3-pointers, putting Detroit’s back against the wall (97-86). In turn, the Pistons pressed 13-4 with Javonte Green, Dennis Jenkins, Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris (101-99).

However, it is not enough to shake the Cavs, who responded with a three-pointer by Evan Mobley, another by Sam Merrill, and then a great counterattack by Dennis Schroeder (110-105). After a final key turnover from Cade Cunningham, James Harden was able to get the job done close this time (112-105) before seeing Jaylon Tyson hit the final free throw of the game to secure the win, 113-109.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Jaylon Tyson MVP of your game. A big winner in the absence of Donovan Mitchell, the back is the perfect symbol of the success of the “lieutenants” who have allowed Cleveland to endure over time. Like Craig Porter Jr., Keon Ellis and Thomas Bryant, his scoring relays were valuable. At the finish, he finished as the best scorer of his team with 22 points (5/12 on 3-pointers), but also 3 rebounds and 4 assists.

Cade Cunningham’s nightmare. The Pistons leader had a very complicated night in scoring. Stuck at 8 points without scoring after halftime, he waited until the very end of the game to add two free throw points, finishing on 4/16 shooting for 10 points and 14 assists.

James Harden on loan. In his second game with a broken thumb, the Cavs guard was often in trouble. His final game-clinching basket barely makes up for his complicated offensive game, between his 5-of-17 shooting (2-of-9 on 3-pointers) and his 5 turnovers.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.