Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Final Outcome
For the first 45:54, the Cleveland Cavaliers found themselves trailing the Detroit Pistons. They made some some runs, but time and time again, Cleveland’s runs sputtered out and it looked as if they were on their way to another loss. But down the stretch, behind excellent play from Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers made a final push that saw them take a lead for the first time with 2:06 left to play. They lost that lead when Detroit’s Josh Smith dunked on their other end, but on Cleveland’s next possession, Thompson put back Irving’s miss to give the Cavaliers their second lead of the night – a lead they would never give up as the Cavaliers won by a final score of 93-89 after finding themselves down as many as 13.
Key Play to the Game
If Thompson’s dunk was a bowl of ice cream, Kyrie Irving’s three-pointer on the Cavaliers next possession down was the sprinkles. Irving didn’t have his best shooting night (he finished 6-16) but this three was something special to behold and it sealed the deal for the Cavaliers.
It also produced a GIF on the Cavaliers dancing that hopefully will live on forever.
Co-Wine & Gold MVPs
Irving and Thompson combined for 23 of the Cavaliers 25 fourth quarter points and both played solid two-way basketball down the stretch. Thompson, in particular, was outstanding down the stretch both on the boards and on both Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond down on the block. But most of all, Thompson finished at the rim time and time again in the fourth and it made the Cavaliers offense much more dangerous and versatile. As for Irving, he finished strong late and closed out well down on Brandon Jennings throughout the game. He also was excellent at closing at the game, making free throw after free throw to extend the Cavaliers lead. Simply put, this duo was outstanding tonight and the team would have been lost without them.
Top Tweets
Maybe 5k here for Cavs-Pistons. pic.twitter.com/BHzht3wqcX
— David Zavac (@DavidZavac) February 13, 2014
#Cavs owner Dan Gilbert making the short trek from his suburban Detroit home to this game, sitting baseline by his team.
— clevelanddotcom Cavs (@PDcavsinsider) February 13, 2014
Delly just took a charge from Drummond. Delly: Australian for fearless
— Jason Lloyd (@ByJasonLloyd) February 13, 2014
Cavs have wide open 3 pointers available and are like "nah".
— David Zavac (@DavidZavac) February 13, 2014
SO MUCH BLOOD. SO MUCH. RT @WFNYJacob: #Cavs first half offense against the Pistons tonight. *sounds alarm* pic.twitter.com/kWFBalen1O
— FearTheSword (@FearTheSword) February 13, 2014
Through 3 qtrs, neither Irving nor Waiters has an assist for #Cavs. Jack hogging them all with 6. Cavs had 30 assists last night, 10 tonight
— Jason Lloyd (@ByJasonLloyd) February 13, 2014
Kyrie Irving defending, staying within himself. Having a really nice game, even if stat sheet doesn't say it exactly.
— David Zavac (@DavidZavac) February 13, 2014
ALL THOMPSON EVERYTHING.
— John Krolik (@JohnKrolik) February 13, 2014
Kyrie. Freaking. Irving.
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) February 13, 2014
Up Next
When the Cavaliers return from the All-Star Break, they will be taking on the Philadelphia 76ers, currently the second worst team in the NBA. The last two times these teams matched up, C.J. Miles hit a franchise record ten three-pointers as the Cavaliers blew out the 76ers by a final score of 111-93. The contest was also the last game the Cavaliers played without Luol Deng on roster. Tipoff is on Tuesday Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.