The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated J.B. Bickerstaff’s young Detroit Pistons in the home opener, improving to a 2-0 record. The team played with a controlled pace, having sharp ball movement and slicing up coverages. Six Cavs supplied double-digit scoring, but the defense took a half of play to tighten up.
Jarrett Allen was the high Cavalier in the first half with 12 digits on four of six attempts, plus three boards and two rebounds. He and Evan Mobley were like boogeymen when switched onto the ball.
The Wine and Gold led 65-55 at halftime. Then, they emerged from the break, putting the Pistons in foul trouble and punishing them from all three areas of the half-court…