Cavs score, recap vs Pistons as Cleveland evens up season series

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Cavs score, recap vs Pistons as Cleveland evens up season series

Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Tue, Mar 3, 2026 ·

10 min read

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CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers evened up their season series with the Detroit Pistons , who have the best record in the Eastern Conference under former Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff , via a 113-109 win March 3 at Rocket Arena.

The banged-up Cavs improved to 2-2 against the Pistons in their final 2025-26 regular-season meeting with Detroit. In the previous three matchups, the Cavs won 116-95 on Oct. 27 but lost 114-110 on Jan. 4 and 122-119 in overtime on Feb. 27.

Cavs column: Cavaliers' talk about Pistons is cheap, at least for now | Opinion

Tip-off between the Eastern Conference Central Division rival Cavs (39-24) and Pistons (45-15) occurred shortly after 7 p.m. Here's how the game unfolded through our updates:

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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

(Lachlan Cunningham, Getty Images)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland, who was acquired earlier in the day in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, sits in the stands to watch a game against the Cavs on Feb. 4, 2026, in Inglewood, California.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 01: Jarrett Allen #31 is doused with water by teammate Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Soobum Im, Getty Images)

Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 and Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

Jan 26, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 24: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic collects a rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Kia Center on January 24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
(Rich Storry, Getty Images)

Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket while guarded by Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller on Jan. 21, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.\
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 19: Guard Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on January 19, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Jason Miller, Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 16: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, center, drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers defenders Joel Embiid, left, and Kelly Oubre Jr. on Jan. 14, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)

Jan 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kevin Love (42) fouls Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Jan 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'qwan Tomlin (35) goes for a loose ball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) and guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Jan 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
(Bruce Kluckhohn, Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) blocks the shot of Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) in the first half, Jan. 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
(Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Jan 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) looks to pass while being defended by Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Dec 29, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
(Daniel Dunn, Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images)

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter during the second half, Dec. 27, 2025, in Houston.
(Troy Taormina, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) shoots the ball during the first quarter as Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends at Madison Square Garden in New York on Dec. 25, 2025.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)

Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter celebrates after a second-half dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans, Dec. 23, 2025, Cleveland.
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dec 22, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson tries to get the attention of referee Natalie Sago (9) in the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) loses the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) on Dec. 19, 2025, in Cleveland.
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)

Dec 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) chase the ball during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, Matt Marton-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 14, 2025, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Dec 12, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jamir Watkins (5) dunks the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
(Geoff Burke, Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Dec 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) works against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) defends Dec. 5, 2025, in Cleveland.
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter rebounds in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers, Dec. 3, 2025, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Dec 1, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) looses the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)

Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) passes during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) reaches for the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Quan Tomlin (35) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
(Jordan Godfree, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luke Travers (33) comes down with a rebound against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
(John E. Sokolowski, John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin (35) blocks the shot of Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden on Nov. 23, 2025, in Cleveland.
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Nov 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) loses the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Nov 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes to the basket against Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)

Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Nov 15, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends a shot by Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Nov 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) drives between Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and guard Immanuel Quickley (5) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)

Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr. shoots over Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat during the first half, Nov. 12, 2025 in Miami.
(Carmen Mandato, Getty Images)

Nov 10, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) fight for a loose ball during the first period at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
(Rhona Wise, Rhona Wise-Imagn Images)

Nov 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes up for a dunk against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mitchell missed the dunk. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton chase a loose ball in the second half of a NBA Cup game, Nov. 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
(Geoff Burke, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 5, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) brings the ball up court in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Arena.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 2, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) celebrates with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) defends a shot by Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward/guard De'Andre Hunter (12) and Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) work for the ball in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
(David Butler II, David Butler II-Imagn Images)

Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) dunks as Detroit Pistons' Tolu Smith looks on Oct. 27, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)

Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)

Oct 24, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) blocks a shot taken by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
(Wendell Cruz, Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)

Oct 22, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) hangs on the rim after a dunk against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Cavaliers beat the Pistons

The Cavs have beaten the Pistons 113-109.

Dennis Schroder had it stolen from him a second time, which momentarily made it a one-possession game. Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson bailed Schroder out, as Merrill hit Tyson with a deep pass. Tyson was fouled and hit one of the two free throw attempts to finally put the game away.

Tyson finished with a team-high 22 points, three rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Evan Mobley had 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. James Harden had a rough night from an efficiency standpoint but did total 18 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the win.

Cade Cunningham was held to only two points on 0-for-5 shooting in the second half.

Cavaliers coverage: Cavs' perimeter defense pinned to Keon Ellis, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade

Who's winning the Cavs-Pistons game?

After a Dennis Schroder bucket to make it a five-point Cavs lead, Jalen Duren couldn't handle a pass right under the rim, which eventually led to a James Harden layup to just about put Detroit away.

Dennis Schroder, while trying to dribble out about half the remaining clock, did run into a double team, which led to an Ausar Thompson steal and dunk to make it 112-107 with 21.5 seconds left.

Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) and forward Isaiah Stewart (28) defend a pass by Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden on March 3, 2026, in Cleveland.

Sam Merrill hits a 3, Cavs lead Pistons in final two minutes

A Jalen Duren dunk momentarily brought the Pistons to within one point of the Cavs before Sam Merrill buried a 3 to again push out Cleveland's advantage.

Duren then got a layup to fall, which led to Evan Mobley being fouled at the rim at the other end. He made one of two, putting the Cavs up 108-105 with 1:40 left.

Jaylon Tyson surpasses 20-point threshold, Cavs lead Pistons in fourth

Jaylon Tyson has made a massive impact on this game and is now up to 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and two blocks, as the Cavs have a 101-96 lead with 6:02 left in the fourth quarter.

With no Mitchell, no Dean Wade and now no Allen, it has been Tyson more than anyone else who has filled the gaps.

James Harden has had a rougher game, as he's now 4-for-13 from the floor with five turnovers.

Cavs, Pistons score heading into fourth quarter

The Cavaliers will take an 89-80 lead into the fourth quarter.

Craig Porter Jr. had a productive third quarter off the bench with seven points on 3-for-4 shooting. Dennis Schroder had six points, three rebounds and two assists in that quarter alone.

Though nobody on the floor had a better third quarter than Detroit's Tobias Harris , who went scoreless in the first half before pouring in 17 points in the third quarter alone, which much of it coming at the free throw line in a workman-like nine minutes.

Mar 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) defends Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Jarrett Allen injury update

Cavs center Jarrett Allen has sustained a right knee injury and is doubtful to return , according to an update provided by the team.

Allen has eight points and three rebounds in 20 minutes on the floor tonight. He checked out of the game with 7:32 left in the third quarter.

Mar 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) defends Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Cavs holding small lead over Pistons in third quarter

The Cavs and Pistons are trading punches, and Cleveland has a 73-70 lead with five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

With no Donovan Mitchell on the floor, Jaylon Tyson has a team-high 15 points, with James Harden and Evan Mobley both sitting at 12 points each.

The Cavs have hit 33 percent of their 3s (11-for-33). The Pistons have attempted only 16 3s, but they've hit eight of them.

Mar 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) is helped to his feet in the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Cavs lead Pistons 54-48 at halftime

The Cavs held a 54-48 advantage over the Pistons at halftime.

Wing Jaylon Tyson led the Cavs with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field (2 of 4 on 3-pointers) in the first half. Point guard James Harden had 10 points. Forward Evan Mobley added nine points, four rebounds and four assists.

Center Jalen Duren paced the Pistons with nine points. Guard Cade Cunningham and forward Ausar Thompson contributed eight and seven points, respectively, with Cunningham dishing out six assists and Thompson grabbing six rebounds.

The Cavs went 20-of-48 shooting (41.7%) from the field, including 7 of 25 on 3-pointers (28%). The Pistons went 18-of-41 shooting (43.9%) from the floor, including 6 of 12 on 3s (50%).

The Cavs outscored the Pistons 29-21 in the second quarter after trailing 27-25 at the end of the first quarter.

Cleveland Cavaliers players cheer from the bench during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 3, 2026, in Cleveland.

Pistons trail Cavaliers 48-40 with 4:16 left in the second quarter

The Cavs led the Pistons 48-40 during a replay review with 4:16 left in the second quarter.

Guard Sam Merrill made a wide-open 3-pointer with 5:58 remaining on an assist from point guard James Harden to give the Cavs their largest lead, 48-38. On the ensuing possession, Cavs wing Jaylon Tyson blocked a shot by Pistons forward Ausar Thompson, forcing a shot-clock violation by Detroit.

As for the aforementioned review, the Cavs won a challenge after guard Keon Ellis had been whistled for a foul during a layup try by Pistons center Jalen Duren.

Cavs lead Pistons 35-32 early in the second quarter

The Cavs outscored the Pistons 10-5 to begin the second quarter and led 35-32 with 9:47 left in the first half.

Cavs forward Evan Mobley posted up against former Cleveland teammate Javonte Green , executed a smooth spin move and dunked to give the Cavs the three-point lead. A Pistons timeout ensued.

Center Thomas Bryant and wing Jaylon Tyson made 3-pointers during the Cavs' early quarter scoring outburst.

Mar 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) dunks against Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) in the third quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Pistons lead Cavaliers after first quarter

The Pistons went on a nice run to end the first quarter and lead the Cavs 27-25 entering the second quarter.

In the final minute of the quarter, Ron Holland drilled a 3 to give Detroit a lead, and a Craig Porter Jr. 3 at the quarter buzzer came up short.

James Harden leads the Cavs with seven points on 3-for-5 shooting. Jaylon Tyson, also 3-for-5 from the floor, has six points.

Cleveland is shooting just 10 percent (1-for-10) from 3-point range.

Mar 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) sits on the bench in the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Cavaliers, Pistons in defensive battle

The Cavs lead the Pistons 21-17 with 2:40 left in the first quarter, as both offenses are struggling to string some baskets together.

Prior to the game, coach Kenny Atkinson discussed Keon Ellis' defensive impact. Perhaps the highlight thus far was started and finished by Ellis, as he deflected a Pistons pass to James Harden, who then threw it ahead to Ellis for a layup.

Mar 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles beside Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Cavs, Pistons score: Cleveland opens with 9-2 run

The Cavs have opened up a quick 9-2 advantage, leading to a quick timeout by Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

Cleveland has opened 4-for-6 from the floor, including a 3 from the top of the key by James Harden that led to the timeout.

Jaylon Tyson also took an elbow from Jalen Duren but appears to be fine.

Below is some pregame information.

Cleveland Cavaliers injury report vs. Detroit Pistons

The Cavs ruled out All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell (right groin strain) and small forward Max Strus (offseason foot surgery). They also ruled out forward Dean Wade (right ankle sprain) after initially listing him as questionable to face the Pistons.

Mitchell will miss his fourth consecutive game, but Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said Mitchell would face the Pistons if it were a playoff game . Strus has yet to play this season. Wade will miss his third game in a row.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell competes in the 3-point contest during the 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday Night, Feb 14, 2026, in Los Angeles.

Max Strus injury update

On March 3, the Cavs provided the following injury update about Strus:

Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus continues his recovery following offseason surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot. Recent imaging has shown progressive healing, and in consultation with Dr. David Porter and team physician Dr. James Rosneck, Strus has progressed to individual on-court workouts as part of a structured ramp-up program.

The program will include controlled team activities and practice sessions with both the Cavaliers and the Cleveland Charge, the team's NBA G League affiliate.

Strus will continue his rehabilitation and conditioning under the supervision of the Cavaliers' medical and performance staff, with ongoing evaluation. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Atkinson has said he expects Strus to return to game action during the 2025-26 regular season .

Apr 28, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) drives to the basket past Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) in the second quarter during game four for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Pistons injury report vs. Cavs

The Pistons did not list any players with injuries.

However, there is a noteworthy Pistons development regarding availability. Center Isaiah Stewart is expected to face the Cavs. It would be his return from a seven-game suspension for fighting .

Cavs news: Cavaliers rule out Donovan Mitchell again with groin injury

Cavs starters vs. Pistons

The Cavs announced the following players will start against the Pistons:

Point guard James Harden
Guard Sam Merrill
Small forward Jaylon Tyson
Forward Evan Mobley
Center Jarrett Allen

Pistons starters vs. Cavaliers

The Pistons announced the following players will start against the Cavs:

Guard Cade Cunningham
Guard Duncan Robinson
Forward Ausar Thompson
Forward Tobias Harris
Center Jalen Duren

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham named Eastern Conference Player of the Month over Cavs center Jarrett Allen and others

On March 3, the NBA named Pistons guard Cade Cunningham the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for games played in February.

Cavs center Jarrett Allen was nominated for the honor along with Desmond Bane ( Orlando Magic ), Jaylen Brown ( Boston Celtics ), Jalen Brunson ( New York Knicks ), Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks), Brandon Ingram ( Toronto Raptors ), Brandon Miller ( Charlotte Hornets ) and Ryan Rollins ( Milwaukee Bucks ).

Pistons center Jalen Duren drives to the basket between Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) and center Jarrett Allen on Feb. 27, 2026, in Detroit.

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month over Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and others

On March 3, the NBA named Atkinson the NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for games played in February. It's the third time Atkinson has received coach of the month accolades in his career, all with the Cavs. He is just the third coach in franchise history to win coach of the month on three or more occasions, joining Mike Brown (five times) and the late Lenny Wilkens (three times).

Bickerstaff was nominated for the award along with Mike Brown (Knicks), Charles Lee (Hornets) and Joe Mazzulla (Celtics).

Cavs roster moves

The Cavs waived guard Darius Brown , who had been on a two-way contract, and agreed to a two-way contract with center Olivier Sarr , Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported.

Cleveland Cavaliers game on TV. How can I watch, stream and listen to Cavs vs Pistons tonight?

The March 3 game between the Cavs and Pistons will be televised locally by WUAB Channel 43 and FanDuel Sports Network — Ohio. The local radio broadcast can be heard via WTAM (1100-AM) or WMMS (100.7-FM).

Cavs news: Cavaliers vs Pistons game is easy to watch on TV tonight. Here's the channel, start time

Ryan Lewis covers the Cleveland Cavaliers and Guardians for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavaliers score vs Pistons, injury report, game updates, highlights

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