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Cleveland Cavaliers Triumph in Home Opener, Defeating Detroit Pistons 113-101

In a dazzling Friday night showdown, the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell and Dean Wade, emerged victorious in their home opener, defeating the Detroit Pistons 113-101. Both Mitchell and Wade netted an impressive 19 points each, while Jarrett Allen complemented with a double-double, contributing 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Cavaliers Continue Winning Streak Against Pistons

The Cavaliers continued their dominance over the Pistons, securing their 10th consecutive win against the Detroit team. This win marked a successful home debut for the Cavaliers’ new coach, Kenny Atkinson, and also a 2-0 start to his tenure. The victorious night had a bittersweet tinge, with former Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff, now leading the Pistons, making his return to Cleveland.

Mixed Reactions for Bickerstaff, Pistons Show Promise

Despite steering the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, Bickerstaff received a mixed response from the fans. Pistons’ performance, however, indicated signs of improvement as they played their second consecutive solid game. The Pistons, who managed only 14 wins last season, show promise with some strong core players to develop under Bickerstaff’s guidance.

Cavaliers’ Strong Start Under Atkinson

The Cavaliers showcased their strength against a comparatively weaker team for the second straight game, marking a solid start under Atkinson. The new coach is still experimenting with different player rotations as he continues to understand his team’s dynamics better.

Key Player: Ty Jerome

Cavaliers’ reserve Ty Jerome gave a stellar performance off the bench, scoring 10 points and providing three assists in eight minutes. This helped Cleveland gain control in the first half, ending with a 13-4 run to lead by 10. Jerome, who played in only two games last season due to a severe ankle injury, is already in the rotation, receiving high praise from the Cavaliers’ General Manager, Koby Altman.

Key Stat: Cade Cunningham’s Turnovers

Despite scoring a game-high 33 points, Pistons’ Cade Cunningham was guilty of trying to overextend himself, resulting in a game-high nine turnovers.

What’s Next?

The Pistons will return home to face the NBA champion Boston Celtics on Saturday, while the Cavaliers will travel to Washington for their next game on the same day.