The Cleveland Cavaliers’ starting lineup combined for 84 points as they defeated the Detroit Pistons 113-101 in their home opener on Friday night. Donovan Mitchell and Dean Wade each scored 19 points to lead Cleveland to its tenth consecutive victory over Detroit.
Cleveland’s success was backed by strong performances from Jarrett Allen, who added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Evan Mobley, who contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and four steals. The win marked new head coach Kenny Atkinson’s first home victory, giving the Cavaliers a 2-0 start to the season.
Former Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff, now with Detroit, received a mixed reaction from Cleveland fans on his return after leading the team to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. Cade Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ offense with 33 points, despite committing nine turnovers, while Jaden Ivey chipped in with 22 points.
Detroit kept pace with Cleveland until the fourth quarter when Wade hit back-to-back three-pointers, extending Cleveland’s lead to 105-91 with just over six minutes remaining.
Ty Jerome made a critical impact off Cleveland’s bench, scoring 10 points and providing three assists in just eight minutes during the first half. Jerome’s play helped the Cavaliers close the second quarter on a 13-4 run, giving them a ten-point halftime lead. Having missed nearly all of last season due to an ankle injury, Jerome has quickly earned a spot in Atkinson’s rotation.
Defensively, Cleveland forced several key turnovers, holding Detroit to only five blocks and three steals, while Wade and Mobley accounted for six of Cleveland’s nine steals. Darius Garland supported the Cavaliers’ offense with 13 points and six assists, showcasing the effective playmaking chemistry among Cleveland’s starters.
Cunningham’s aggressive play created opportunities but also led to mistakes as he finished with a game-high nine turnovers. The Pistons managed a strong second quarter, posting 42 points and cutting the Cavaliers’ lead to four by halftime.
