Sports
Cavaliers struggles continue in 106-101 loss to the Pistons
Cavaliers, Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, Channing Frye, Detroit Pistons, Stan Van Gundy, Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, Lue
The Cleveland Cavaliers got cold in the fourth quarter which led to the Cavaliers dropping their third straight in the 106-101 loss to the Pistons Thursday night.
The Cavaliers have now lost three straight, tying their season high and five of their last seven. J.R. Smith played for Cleveland for the first time since December but Kevin Love and Kyle Korver were out.
The duo of Lebron James and Kyrie Irving combined for 56 points, with James recording his 50th career triple-double as he grabbed 13 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists to go along with his 29 points. Channing Frye was the only other Cavalier player to reach double figures in scoring. He finished with 15 points, all coming on three-point attempts, and nearly picked a double-double with nine boards.
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J.R. Smith made his long-awaited return to the court after being out since December, playing minutes off the bench. It looks like the long layoff hurt is shooting as he finished with a rough 1-of-9 from the floor.
This was James' last game at The Palace as the Pistons are moving into a downtown arena next season. James had his first amazing postseason moment in this building back in 2007, when he scored 48 points-including Cleveland's final 25-in a win over Detroit in the Eastern Conference finals.
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In order for the Cavs to reach the Eastern Conference finals this season, they need to commit to defense again. When their offense is not working, the defense is not bailing them out as it did last season's championship run. These are the type of games that the Cavs should be taking care of. They need to show more effort and consistency and stop being so complacent that they can just turn it on when they need to. They are the defending NBA Champions, and they need to start playing like it.
Andre Drummond played huge for the Pistons, as he had 20 points and 16 rebounds. Reggie Jackson led the Pistons with 21 points, including 12 in the final quarter. Detroit now leads Chicago by a half-game for the No.7 spot in the Eastern Conference.
COMING UP FOR THE CAVS......The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.