Donovan Mitchell scores 45 as Cleveland Cavaliers handle Detroit Pistons

NEW DELHI: Donovan Mitchell's season-high tying 45 points powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 128-121 comeback victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Darius Garland returned from a 19-game absence and contributed 19 points for the Cavaliers, who have now won three consecutive games and 11 of their last 12. Jarrett Allen extended his double-double streak to 16 games, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Isaac Okoro added 14 points.

The Pistons took control of the game in the fourth quarter, moving ahead 111-106 with six minutes remaining. However, Cleveland mounted a comeback, tying the score four times before securing a 120-118 lead with 2:18 left. Donovan Mitchell's late-game heroics, including two crucial free throws, sealed the victory for the Cavaliers.


Danilo Gallinari led the Pistons with 20 points, while Cade Cunningham contributed 19 points. Bojan Bogdanovic added 17 points, Jaden Ivey scored 14, Kevin Knox II had 12, Alec Burks scored 11, and Jalen Duren finished with 10 points.

Darius Garland made an impactful return in his first game since breaking his jaw on December 14 against the Boston Celtics. He shot 7-for-12 from the floor in 20 minutes of play. Sam Merrill and Caris LeVert also played crucial roles for the Cavaliers, finishing with 11 points each.

Despite shooting 55.6 percent from the field and 51.6 percent from beyond the arc (16 of 31), the Pistons fell to 6-41 for the season. The Cavaliers maintained their dominance over the Pistons, securing their eighth consecutive win in head-to-head matchups. Detroit's Mike Muscala exited the game in the first quarter with a head injury and did not return.

(Inputs from Reuters)