Pistons unable to complete fourth-quarter rally in loss to Cavaliers

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Mar 3, 2026

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CLEVELAND — The Detroit Pistons trailed 94-83 when Ausar Thompson connected on a dunk after a backdoor cut. Shortly after he made a basket, Thompson pickpocketed James Harden, which led to him throwing an alley-oop to Javonte Green.

Thompson’s contributions led the Pistons to an 8-2 run by the 6:02 mark of the fourth quarter. But more importantly, they gave the Pistons a spark that helped them come within two points of the Cleveland Cavaliers (101-99) by the 4:30 mark of the period.

By relying upon their defense, the Pistons embarked on another fourth-quarter rally, but were unable to sustain their momentum in the final minutes, resulting in a 113-109 loss inside Rocket Arena Tuesday night.

In his first game as the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, Jalen Duren posted his 30th double-double of the season and finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds. He carried much of the offensive load, as Cade Cunningham put in a rare subpar night with 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting, to go along with 14 assists, six rebounds and five turnovers.

Jaylon Tyson led Cleveland with 22 points, while Evan Mobley added 18 points. James Harden finished with 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

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