The Cleveland Cavaliers took full advantage of Detroit’s inability to close out games.
Collin Sexton scored 32 points and three of his teammates had at least 21 points, helping Cleveland beat Detroit 128-119 in two overtimes Saturday night.
“Multiple opportunities where we could’ve given in, multiple opportunities that we could’ve lost the fight,” Pacers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “Every player, to a man, decided that was not going to happen. We will not quit and that’s a testament to those guys and building our identity.”
While the Cavs improved to 2-0, the rebuilding Pistons dropped to 0-2 after also struggling down the stretch in their season-opening loss at Minnesota.
Cleveland center Andre Drummond had 23 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks against his former team.
“A lot of memories just rushed into my head,” said Drummond, who was drafted No. 9 overall by Detroit in 2012 and traded to the Cavs last season.
Darius Garland added 21 points and a career-high 12 assists, setting the tone for a young backcourt with Sexton that combined to score 49 points in the season-opening win over Charlotte.