DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Cleveland’s fourth quarter defense became the difference in the game as they outscored Detroit, 37-17, on their way to the 28-point win, 113-85. The Cavaliers opened up the fourth quarter on a 26-4 run to put the game away as Detroit fell to 14-42 on the year.

“These type of games are butt-kicking contests because they play physical offense. It was a great game for us to feel, to taste, to go up against a hard-nosed, physical playoff team,” said Detroit head coach Dwane Casey.

Bojan Bogdanovic led the team with 15 points as Jalen Duren added 14 points and Jaden Ivey 10 points. Duren also added nine rebounds.

The first quarter showed off the Cleveland defense as they allowed just 14 points taking an 18-point lead into the second, 32-14. Detroit found some momentum in the second quarter outscoring Cleveland, 26-19. The lead was cut to 10 points, 47-37, at 3:24 on a Bogdanovic 25-foot three-pointer. Both teams didn’t have much offense the final three minutes as Cleveland took an 11-point lead, 51-40, at the half.

Detroit continued their offensive momentum from the second quarter into the third out scoring Cleveland, 28-25. Duren had a two-point jump shot at 5:08 to come within six points, 62-56. They came no closer the rest of the period as Cleveland outscored the Pistons, 14-12, for a eight-point lead, 76-68, going into the fourth.

All of the momentum shifted to Cleveland in the fourth quarter outscoring Detroit, 26-4, in just over seven minutes, 102-72, for a 30-point lead. Detroit only scored 17 points in the quarter as they fell, 113-85.

Detroit will be back at home on Friday hosting San Antonio at 7:00 p.m.