CLEVELAND _ The Cavs have had some tough losses this season. Friday night turned into the basketball version of a total beat down.
The Cavs, sans Kevin Love and others, had no defensive answer for the Detroit Pistons in a 129-93 loss at Quicken Loans Arena Saturday night.
The Pistons (30-31) poured in 42 points in the first quarter, had 73 by halftime and reached 100 by the end of the third quarter. The Cavs trailed by 19 points after the first quarter, and it was never much of a game after that point. Their largest deficit was 39 points.
The Cavs (15-48), still banged up, had only three healthy "bigs" available Saturday night. The Pistons took full advantage, out-rebounding the Cavs 51-33. The Pistons also shot 54 percent from the floor, while the Cavs finished at 34.2 percent.
Luke Kennard led the Pistons with 26 points and five rebounds. Reggie Jackson had 24 points. Blake Griffin added 14 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. The Pistons had five players with at least 13 points, while the Cavs had one.
Collin Sexton led the Cavs with 16 points, three rebounds and zero assists. Larry Nance Jr. (five rebounds, three assists) and Jordan Clarkson (three rebounds, three assists) each finished with 11 points. Cedi Osman and Brandon Knight each added 10 points.
The Cavs next welcome the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
