Cade Cunningham and Daniss Jenkins lead the Pistons past the Cavs, while the Pacers match a franchise record with a 12th straight defeat
CADE Cunningham scored 27 points to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 114-110 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Eastern Conference leaders were without key players Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren and Caris LeVert but secured a crucial win.
Reserve guard Daniss Jenkins was the star, erupting for 25 points including a 21-point second quarter where he made all seven shots.
“My teammates were just finding me and I was open,” said Jenkins, who is on a two-way contract.
The Pistons outscored the Cavs 47-28 in that period to erase an early deficit and take control.
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 30 points, bringing his team within two points late in the game.
Jenkins sealed the win with two free throws in the final seconds, as Detroit finished a perfect 21-for-21 from the line.
The victory extends Detroit’s lead over the New York Knicks to three games in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers matched a franchise record with their 12th consecutive defeat.
They fell 135-127 to the Orlando Magic, continuing a dismal run since losing star Tyrese Haliburton to a season-ending injury.
Pascal Siakam led all scorers with 34 points for the Pacers, but it was not enough.
The Magic took control with a 17-0 run in the second quarter, led by Desmond Bane’s 31 points.
This marks the fourth time in franchise history and the first time since 1989 that Indiana has lost 12 straight games.
