The Cleveland Cavaliers broke a three-year-long preseason losing streak against NBA teams with a 118-100 win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Exhibition results haven’t been indicative of how
things go when the games count in the standings. That said, you’d always rather win than lose if they’re keeping score.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson treated this game like a full dress rehearsal. His starters played well into the fourth quarter and more approximated the minutes they’d get in a regular-season game. This is the only preseason game that he’s done that in.
The Cavs were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 17 points on 6-11 shooting with three steals. Head coach Kenny Atkinson remarked before the game that he’s come into this season “more locked in than he normally is.”
That showed through as Mitchell was his normal explosive and aggressive self, even though he fouled out with four minutes left in the fourth.
Evan Mobley wasn’t able to find his shot. He finished the game with eight points on 3-13 shooting with six rebounds and three blocks. Even though he wasn’t converting, it was encouraging to see Mobley lead the team in attempts.
You want one of your best offensive players to be comfortable attacking even on off-nights. That hasn’t always been the case with Mobley. We’ll see if that carries into the regular season.
De’Andre Hunter continued his steady scoring from his previous two preseason outings. He contributed 14 points on 3-6 from the field and 6-7 shooting from the charity stripe. Hunter’s night was cut short. He played just 14 minutes as he didn’t appear in the second half due to a right knee contusion.
Sam Merrill saw his first preseason action of the year. He provided 10 points as a starter on 4-7 shooting.
Jarrett Allen added 15 points on 5-12 shooting with six rebounds and two blocks. Lonzo Ball provided a spark off the bench with nine points, nine assists, and four rebounds. Dean Wade supplied 15 points on 5-10 shooting with nine rebounds.
The Pistons were without three key contributors in Cade Cunningham, Caris LeVert, and Jaden Ivy. Dennis Jenkins led the group with 19 points and six helpers.
The Cavaliers conclude the preseason with a 1-3 record. They will take the court next Wednesday, October 22, as they take on the New York Knicks on the road.
