Tim Hardaway Jr., Pistons end long drought vs. Cavaliers

Tim Hardaway Jr. had a season-high 32 points and the host Detroit Pistons clinched their first winning season in nine years by defeating the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers 133-122 on Friday night.The last time Detroit posted a winning season was 2015-16 when it finished 44-38. The Pistons (42-32) also snapped a 12-game losing streak against the Cavaliers. Detroit’s had not beaten Cleveland since Feb. 24, 2022.Malik Beasley supplied 19 points, while Ausar Thompson had 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots. Dennis Schroder contributed 17 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Jalen Duren tossed in 16 points with 13 rebounds.Donovan Mitchell carried the Cavaliers (59-15) with 38 points. Darius Garland had 21.Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham missed his third straight game due to a left calf contusion.Hardaway scored 13 points in the first quarter as the Pistons grabbed a 31-26 lead. Detroit was still up by five, 63-58, at halftime. Hardaway was up to 19 points, while frontcourt partner Thompson had 12. Mitchell and Garland combined for 26 points for the Cavaliers.

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