The Detroit Pistons are in evaluation mode as the organization assesses a few young players and how they might fit moving forward.
But the obvious assessment was that they didn’t belong on the same court with the Cavaliers on Monday at The Q, because they were manhandled 109-97, the Cavaliers’ 19th win in their last 20 games.
Cleveland (52-29) led by as many as 26.
LeBron James secured his second triple-double of the season with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in 32 minutes. It’s his second triple-double in his last four games and the 39th of his career.
Detroit (31-50) couldn’t handle Cleveland’s spread offense and often found itself in compromising positions that opened up huge driving lanes and kick-out opportunities.
The spacing resulted in Cleveland hitting 17-of-32 3-pointers. JR Smith drained 8 of 13. It’s the second time in his last four games that he has knocked down eight treys. He finished with a game-high 28 points.
Cavaliers coach David Blatt orchestrated the minute distribution like he would have had it been a normal game with something on the line. The Cavs looked sharp and crisp.
However, the game didn’t go without disappointment for Cleveland.
Point guard Kyrie Irving never made it out of the locker room for the second half. The Cavaliers said he was experiencing right hip tightness and as a precaution, elected to sit him out the rest of the game. He scored 12 points and grabbed three rebounds along with dishing three assists.
Cleveland has now won six of seven matchups against the Pistons. Andre Drummond had 20 points and nine rebounds, and Caron Butler put in 19 points. Reggie Jackson supplied 18 points and eight assists.
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