CLEVELAND: LeBron James had 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Big Three combined for 81 points in a hard-fought 106-101 Game 1 victory Sunday against the Detroit Pistons.
The Cavs survived a 3-point onslaught from the Pistons, who made 15 3-pointers and shot 52 percent from deep.
Kevin Love had 28 points and 13 rebounds and Kyrie Irving had 31 points and six assists for the Cavaliers, who trailed by seven with 11 minutes left before rallying behind James.
Game 2 is Wednesday night at Cleveland.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 21 points for the Pistons and Marcus Morris scored 20 – but just one in the second half.