The Detroit Pistons (6-5) defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers (8-3) 104-99 on Tuesday.
At this rate, anything less than a monster double-double will be a disappointment for Andre Drummond. The Pistons’ superstar center tallied his 11th straight performance with double-digit points and boards, meaning he’s achieved the feat in each of Detroit’s contests this season. He contributed a team-high 25 points and 18 rebounds Tuesday to spearhead an impressive victory, which featured Detroit rallying after entering the fourth quarter trailing 81-75.
The Cavs were led by LeBron James, who contributed a game-high 30 points. The remaining four starters accounted for virtually the rest of the Cleveland offense, as the bench could only pitch in 10 points overall. Kevin Love backed up James’ effort with a 19-point, nine-rebound outing, while J.R. Smith and Mo Williams notably pitched in 15 points apiece.
Cleveland fell to 8-3 but remains in first place in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division. They head home to face the Bucks on Thursday.
Drummond wasn’t the only Piston lighting up the scoreboard Tuesday, as Reggie Jackson bounced back from a tough outing Sunday versus the Lakers by contributing a double-double of his own. The Detroit point guard poured in 23 points while handing out 12 assists, several to teammate Ersan Ilyasova, who posted a season high 20 points of his own. The streaky Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the dependable Marcus Morris made it a perfect five-for-five in double-digit scoring for the Pistons starters, with 13 and 14 points, respectively.
The Pistons improved to 6-5 and reside in third place in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division. They now travel to Minnesota for a Friday date with the Timberwolves.
