Cavs down Pistons 113-101
Cavs pick up a win in their home opener.
The Cleveland Cavaliers welcomed back their fans with a 113-101 win in the season’s home opener. J.B. Bickerstaff’s Detroit Pistons fall to 0-2 on the season despite two valiant efforts. Meanwhile, Cavalier head coach Kenny Atkinson has fully implemented his vision through two games.
Cleveland is playing a new brand of basketball. The ball is moving with a purpose and Atkinson’s emphasis on player involvement has led to more guys stepping out of their comfort zone.
Dean Wade was the standout of the night. He finished with 19 points (5-7 3PT), 5 rebounds and 2 steals as a positive on both ends of the floor. The Cavs may have found something in Wade’s fit next to the core four. His shooting and stellar defense make him the ideal starting small forward (if he keeps it up).
A close runner-up is Ty Jerome. He spent almost all of last season on the injury list but has bounced back in a big way to begin his 2024-25 campaign. Jerome poured in 13 points and 4 assists in 15 minutes off the bench, giving Cleveland the jolt they needed midway through the game.
Other Cavaliers filled in the gaps. Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell combined for just 32 points. Winning games by double-digits when the starting backcourt is that quiet is something we didn’t see much of in previous seasons. But it’s another sign that this Cavs team is different from before.
Evan Mobely wasn’t as sharp as in the season opener but he still turned in an impressive 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. He seemed less sure of himself on offense and committed three separate traveling violations. There will be more growing pains along the way, but all in all, Mobley has begun the season trending in the right direction.