The Detroit Pistons (28-29) defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers (40-15) 96-88 on Monday.
It was a night of improbabilities, with the Pistons coming into the contest looking to snap a five-game losing streak at Quicken Loans Arena, where Cleveland had only dropped four games all season. Detroit was also coming off an absolute trampling at the hands of Anthony Davis on Sunday, who generated a historic 59-point, 20-rebound performance. However, the Pistons accomplished the highly improbable feat Monday on the strength of suffocating defense against one of the game's best players, and a highly balanced offensive effort from their starting five. Detroit frustrated LeBron James with their typically stelllar play against small forwards, holding him to only 12 points on 5-for-18 shooting from the field, and forcing him into an uncharacteristic six turnovers. They also notably shut out starting center Tristan Thompson on the scoreboard, and held sharpshooter J.R. Smith to seven points.
The Pistons were sperheaded by Reggie Jackson's 23-point outing, which he supplemented with four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope followed with his first productive performance since returning from a groin injury, totaling 19 points, four rebounds and two steals. Andre Drummond was next with one of his trademark double-doubles, in which he collected 16 points, 15 boards, an assist, two steals and a block. Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris rounded matters out for the starting five with a pair of 14-point outings. The former also pitched in five rebounds, three assists and three steals in his first start in a Pistons uniform, while Morris supplied four assists and a pair of rebounds in addition to his outstanding defensive work on James. Stanley Johnson paced the reserves with 10 points, four rebounds, an assist and a block.
Detroit remains in fourth place in the Eastern Conference's Central Division, and is currently two games back of the eighth-seeded Chicago Bulls. They head back home to await the Philadelphia 76ers for a Wednesday matchup.
Kyrie Irving was a bright spot on the night for Cleveland, as he managed 30 points, five assists, a rebound and a pair of steals after having to exit the Cavs' last game with an illness. Kevin Love followed with 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists. James managed to complement his modest scoring total with eight boards, five assists and three steals. The bench was led by a modest seven points from Matthew Dellavedova, who also added three assists and a rebound.
Cleveland remains atop the Eastern Conference's Central Division despite the loss, and retains the top seed in the conference as well. They're home again on Wednesday for a tussle with the Charlotte Hornets.
