Poor shooting send the Cavaliers to their fourth straight loss with one more game left on road trip.
View full sizeAnderson Varejao and the Cavaliers had the early jump on Greg Monroe and the Pistons, but Detroit dominated after halftime in building a sizable lead at Auburn Hills, Mich.AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Notes and observations from the Cavs game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills:
Final: Pistons 102, Cavs 92. The Cavaliers played better than they have in a week, but it was still not good enough to beat the Detroit Pistons on Sunday evening at The Palace.
Cleveland was undone by six turnovers and an 11-0 run in the third quarter and horrible shot selection in the fourth, when the Cavs made just 6 of 22 shots (27 percent).
Antawn Jamison had 22 points to lead the Cavs, who fell to 7-13 with their fourth straight loss.
The Pistons were led by their backcourt of Rip Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey, who had 27 and 24 points, respectively, to help Detroit improve to 7-14 and end a seven-game losing streak to the Cavs.
Third quarter update: Pistons 78, Cavs 67. After Cavs pulled into a 55-55 tie, they were undone by an 11-0 run by Detroit. But the Pistons are not strong finishers. They're just 4-3 when leading or tied after three, so hope wasn't totally lost.
Rodney Stuckey and Rip Hamilton have 20 points apiece, while Antawn Jamison is the only Cav in double figures with 15.
Halftime update: Pistons 51, Cavs 46. Rodney Stuckey presented all sorts of problems in the second quarter, when he scored 13 points to bring the Pistons back. But, again, at least the Cavs are fighting back tonight. Will it last?
First quarter update: Cavs 24, Pistons 19. It's still early, but the Cavs are putting forth more effort and energy than at any point during Saturday's loss at Minnesota.
They're shooting 47.6 percent and have held the Pistons to 35 percent shooting and forced five turnovers. Will they keep it up?
Cavs starters: F Joey Graham, F J.J. Hickson, C Anderson Varejao, G Anthony Parker, G Mo Williams.
Pistons starters: F Tayshaun Prince, F Jason Maxiell, C Ben Wallace, G Richard Hamilton, G Rodney Stuckey.
Injuries: None for Cavs. Jonas Jerebko (partially ruptured right Achilles tendon) and Terrico White (broken right foot) are out.
Inactives: Christian Eyenga, Manny Harris and Samardo Samuels for Cavs. Jonas, DaJuan Summers, White for Pistons.
Officials: Marc Davis, Tony Brown, Derek Richardson.
Three things to watch
1. If you can bear to watch, will this be the game the Cavs pull themselves together?
2. If they don't, will coach Byron Scott blow up during the game?
3. Can the Cavs defense, such as it is, take advantage of the fact that the Pistons rank fourth in the league in turnovers (13.5 a game.)