The Detroit Pistons showed why they won the regular season series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading for a large majority of the game and by as many as seven points in the fourth quarter. However, LeBron James (22 points, 11 assists) fueled a 30-18 Cavs run to close the game, giving Cleveland the 106-101 victory.
Detroit came out of the gates on fire, making 10 three-pointers in the first half to hold a 58-53 lead at the break. The Cavs opened the third quarter on a 8-0 to retake the lead, and the two sides then went back and forth for the remainder of the quarter.
The Pistons then gained a 83-76 advantage with a quick 5-0 run at the start of the fourth, but they wouldn't hold onto the lead much longer. Cleveland took the lead less than two minutes later and never gave it back.
Detroit managed to tie the game at 88-88, yet two straight three-pointers from Kevin Love regained control for the Cavs.
Cleveland's Big 3 really carried them in this one. Love (28 points, 13 rebounds) and Kyrie Irving (31 points) each had big nights to go along with LeBron's effort. The rest of the team combined for just 25 points.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 21 points to lead the Pistons. Marcus Morris also contributed 20 points (19 in first half) and Andre Drummond chipped in another double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds), but it ultimately wasn't enough.
Game 2 between these teams will held Wednesday at 8:00 pm ET on TNT.
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