By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Cleveland Cavaliers finally halted their three-game losing streak after pulling off a lopsided win against the Detroit Pistons, 110-91, in the ongoing NBA regular season on January 28, 2025.
Eager to return to the NBA winning column after suffering their first-ever three-game losing streak of the season, the Cavaliers vented their ire on the Pistons and regained their defensive identity.
After allowing their opponents to score 109, 132, and 135 points in their three defeats, the Cavaliers tightened their screws and made the right adjustments when they limited the Pistons to just 91 markers.
Cleveland held Detroit to a dismal 37/96 shooting from the field (38%), including 10/36 from the three-point line, one of their worst shooting performances in the ongoing season.
Coach Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland’s chief mentor, reiterated that they needed to get back to their usual self in defense, and that showed in their win against the Pistons as they contained Cade Cunningham and Detroit’s streaky shooters.
Throughout the 48-minute game, Cleveland’s defensive intensity didn’t slow down despite the game getting out of hand in the garbage minutes of the fourth quarter.
The Cavaliers collected a total of five steals and four blocks while tallying 14 points off Detroit’s turnovers. Cleveland also dominated the rebounding battle, 53-45.
Darius Garland redeemed himself against the Pistons and top-scored Cleveland with 22 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
After missing two out of the three crucial free throws that would’ve helped Cleveland win their game against the Houston Rockets, Garland went back to the drawing board and was extra focused on taking on the Pistons in front of their fans.
Donovan Mitchell produced his usual numbers of 21 points, six dimes, and two boards, while the dynamic frontcourt duo of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley combined for 26 markers and 25 rebounds.
The Cavaliers will look to sustain their momentum on January 30, 2025, as they visit the rolling Miami Heat on the road that repelled the Orlando Magic in a double-OT thriller.
