Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points in just 29 minutes as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Detroit Pistons 116-95 on Monday night at Little Caesars Arena.
Cleveland improved to 3-1 with its third straight victory, while Detroit fell to 2-2. The Cavaliers extended their dominance in the matchup, winning for the 13th time in the last 14 meetings.
Mitchell set the tone early, scoring efficiently and leading a decisive second-quarter surge. A 14-0 Cavaliers run turned a seven-point lead into a 43-26 cushion, and Mitchell’s driving layup gave Cleveland a 63-41 halftime advantage.
The All-Star guard remained unstoppable after the break, adding 14 more points in the third quarter before checking out midway through the period after pushing the lead to 108-73.
Mitchell shot 13-for-18 from the field, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc, and made seven of eight free throws. His +38 plus-minus reflected his two-way impact on the floor.
Jarrett Allen supported the effort with 20 points and seven rebounds, anchoring the paint against Detroit’s frontcourt. Evan Mobley contributed 15 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, marking his third double-double of the young season.
Cleveland shot 45.9 percent overall and controlled the interior, finishing with 48 rebounds and holding Detroit to 37.9 percent from the field. The Cavaliers capitalized on 25 Pistons turnovers, converting them into transition points and limiting Detroit’s half-court rhythm.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 12 points but struggled throughout, going 3-for-14 from the floor and committing five turnovers. Ron Holland II and Tolu Smith added 11 points apiece off the bench, providing some energy in the second half when the game was already out of reach.
Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren scored eight points each, while Duncan Robinson and Ausar Thompson combined for 14. Detroit’s second unit matched Cleveland on the glass but failed to generate consistent offense, shooting just 33-for-87.
Cleveland’s defensive rotations and balanced scoring allowed the visitors to control tempo from start to finish. Sam Merrill chipped in 11 points with three 3-pointers, and De’Andre Hunter added 13.
The Cavaliers will continue their road trip on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics, while the Pistons return home to face the Orlando Magic on the same night.
