NBA Game Summary - Cleveland at Detroit
Auburn Hills, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Kyrie Irving had 38 points and six assists, LeBron James added 32 points, seven assists and six rebounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 103-95 on Tuesday night.
James and Irving were the only double-digit scorers for Cleveland, which has won seven straight games on the heels of a six-game slide. Tristan Thompson pulled down 12 boards off the bench in the triumph.
"It's not about winning ball games, it's about winning every day and that's part of the process. Kyrie has taken that full storm," James said.
Greg Monroe posted 17 points and 12 rebounds, while D.J. Augustin provided 19 points and nine helpers for the Pistons, who have dropped three consecutive contests. Andre Drummond tallied 12 points and 17 boards.
"For the most part I thought their defensive pressure and quickness gave us some pressure," Detroit coach Stan Van Gundy said.
The game was tied 35-35 late in the second quarter before the Cavaliers ripped off eight straight points.
Irving nailed a 3-pointer, Kevin Love made a layup following an Irving steal, Shawn Marion converted a hook shot and James split a pair of foul shots for a 43-35 advantage.
James' jumper in the waning seconds of the half staked Cleveland to a 47-39 cushion heading into the break.
After Monroe's three-point play clawed Detroit within 58-53 during the middle stages of the third, the Cavs responded with a 15-5 run. J.R. Smith and Irving capped the surge with treys for a commanding 73-58 margin at the 3:07 mark of the frame.
Cleveland was up 75-64 going into the fourth, where Detroit was unable to trim the gap below six.
Detroit held a 19-17 edge following a quarter of play.