Cavs’ frustrating loss to Pistons exposes deepening flaws
Turnovers, rebounding woes, and defensive lapses snapped the Cavs’ 12-game win streak against the Pistons in a frustrating 133-122 loss.
Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers entered Little Caesars Arena with history on their side, a 12-game win streak against the Detroit Pistons serving as their safety net. But on this particular matchup, history meant nothing for the Cavs. What unfolded was a stark reminder that past dominance does not guarantee present success.
Despite a late surge spearheaded by Donovan Mitchell’s fourth-quarter heroics, the Cavs fell 133-122 in a game that exposed their mounting vulnerabilities as the season nears its climax. Mitchell’s 38-point explosion, including 22 in the final frame, wasn’t enough to rescue Cleveland from a night riddled with turnovers, rebounding woes, and defensive lapses.
The Pistons, missing their franchise cornerstone Cade Cunningham, looked like the hungrier team from the outset. They were physical, disciplined, and unrelenting. The Cavs, in contrast, seemed sluggish, out of sync, and ill-equipped to dictate the tempo. Head coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t mince words when reflecting on the defeat.
“We were kind of on our heels,” Atkinson said. “The game plan was to take away the paint. Limit turnovers. Win the rebounding game. You give the instructions, and you either do it or don’t. We didn’t. They imposed their will. They imposed their identity. That’s why you come out with the L.”
