Pistons vs. Cavaliers – LeBron, LeBron, LeBron

Cavaliers: 98  Pistons: 88

There’s a reason people have dubbed the Cavs the “Cleveland LeBrons.” If you don’t see why, tonight’s game provided 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists worth of evidence as to why this guy turns a non-playoff team into a Finals contender every year. As much as I complain about any star treatment by NBA officials, this guy is one of the best basketball players on the planet. He’s the reason why the Cavs were running away with this game in the second and third quarters. Once again, the Pistons put up a good fight late in the game, but the Shaq-less Cavs (and mostly LeBron) were too strong in the end.

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The Cavs started off hot, and as I noted on Twitter, were shooting 67% for the game at one point in the 2nd quarter. Just as I pleaded, the Pistons tightened up their defense. Cleveland put up 60 points in the first half but were held to 38 in the second half. The heightened defensive intensity helped the Pistons get back into the game in the 4th quarter.

However, the Pistons were unable to hit shots (39% shooting on the night) and weren’t able to come all the way back to beat the Cavs. Outside of Rodney Stuckey (25 points on 16 shots) and Charlie Villanueva (19 on 15 shots, 8 rebounds), the Pistons didn’t have a consistent offensive threat on the floor. Jason Maxiell (10 points on 3-5 shooting) was the only other Piston in double figures.

Random notes:

Will Bynum had a night to forget (4 points on 1-13 shooting). His 5:3 assist to turnover ratio wasn’t awful, but also not what we’ve come to expect from MFWB.

Jonas Jerebko was maddening, yet effective. He had a Ben Wallace-esque line of 4 points, 6 rebounds (5 on the offensive end), 1 assist and 1 steal.

Speaking of Big Ben, he had 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He also hit 4 of 6 free throws, though he should have shot at least double that many.

Daniel Gibson had yet another good night against the Pistons. He had 13 points on 7 shots, including three 3-pointers. Hasn’t Mike Brown realized that he always tears it up against the Pistons? If I were their coach, I’d start him against Detroit.

Shaq didn’t play tonight, but history says he may not have been a big factor. The Pistons (and especially Big Ben) have defended him well in the past.

LeBron James was the only Cavalier to score more than 14 points. He also led them in assists and rebounds. He definitely looked like the reigning MVP tonight.

The Cavs only used 8 players tonight, while the Pistons used 10. Still, Stuckey led all players with 40 minutes. He needed to tonight though. Great game from #3.

Overall, this loss was disappointing, but without Ben Gordon, the Pistons are missing their three best players. Unlike the other injury-depleted professional team in Detroit, the Pistons aren’t deep enough to compete with the top teams in the NBA without Gordon, Rip Hamilton, and Tayshaun Prince.

The Pistons are back in action on Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. Hopefully they’ll be able to end their slide at 6 games and get back on track.