The Cavaliers suffered an overtime loss in Detroit on Friday but left the game unconvinced that the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons are on their level, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Despite being without starting guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, Cleveland pushed Detroit to the brink.
The Cavaliers missed two crucial free throws late in regulation, and Jaylon Tyson committed a costly foul on Daniss Jenkins during a half-court three-point attempt with under five seconds remaining.
Jenkins converted all three free throws to force overtime, where the Pistons secured a 122-119 victory.
“They aren’t in our class,” one player told Fedor.
Forward Evan Mobley echoed that confidence, saying he believes Cleveland would have the advantage in a potential playoff matchup.
“I feel like we’re one of the top teams,” he said.
“They’ve got to face us, honestly. We’re playing pretty good basketball and we’re going to continue to play good basketball. Just got to play our best in April and May and June. That’s our goal. We’re going to learn from this game and just keep stacking wins and get ready for the playoffs.”
Donovan Mitchell isn't expected to miss much time with a groin strain, plus more on the Cavaliers: https://t.co/oqgFW2CCoK
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 1, 2026
