Detroit − The Pistons were dominated by a shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers team in a 112-88 loss on Friday, their third consecutive loss.
The Cavaliers (7-1), once on the same path as the rebuilding Pistons (2-8), entered Friday’s game as winners of six consecutive games, tied for the second-best record in the NBA.
Cleveland lacked their dynamic All-Star backcourt of Darius Garland and newly-acquired Donovan Mitchell due to injuries. Garland was out with a left knee sprain and Mitchell was sidelined due to a left ankle sprain.
One thing was apparent from the start of the game.