Pistons Drop Pre-Season Opener To Cavaliers, 91-87
AUBURN HILLS (WWJ/AP) - The Pistons allowed the Cavaliers 56 trips to the free throw line as Detroit loses the eshibition opener to the Cleveland Cavaliers 91-87 on Friday.
Before a sparse crowd at The Palace of Auburn Hills the Pistons played a foul ridden game that handed Cleveland the game via free throws - giving the Cavaliers 21 more shots at the line then the Pistons had.
As heard on 97.1 The Ticket - the Pistons shot 15 for 35 in the paint contributing to the evenings' woes.
Kyrie Irving scored 21 points in his first exhibition game - including five free throws in the final minute.
Irving, the top pick in this year's draft, wasn't in the starting lineup, but he looked comfortable in what was a sloppy game. Both teams have a lot of work to do before their season openers Dec. 26.
At halftime, Cleveland was shooting 33 percent and had 14 turnovers. Detroit was at 30 percent and 10 turnovers.
The teams were sharper in the final two quarters, but this was by no means a masterpiece.
Brandon Knight, the second point guard picked in the draft behind Irving, had nine points for the Pistons.
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