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Cavs Dump Pistons, Take Seventh Straight

Wrap-Up – After a slow start in Motown, it looked like the Cavs’ current winning streak might be in jeopardy. But once the Wine and Gold kicked it into gear, they never looked back – running past the Pistons for their seventh straight victory, a 103-95 decision on Tuesday night at The Palace.

LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were the only two Cavaliers in double-figures, but that was all the Cavaliers needed to notch win No. 26.

Kyrie notched 10 points in the second quarter but saved his best for last, notching 16 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth period. For the game, the reigning All-Star MVP was 13-for-23 from the floor – including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc – adding six assists, three steals and a blocked shot. LeBron James was almost as good, tallying 32 points on 11-for-24 shooting to go with a team-high seven assists, six boards and a steal. LeBron and Kyrie were also a combined 16-for-17 from the stripe – and were the only two Cavaliers to attempt a free throw all night.

Kevin Love

LBJ & Kyrie both top 30.

View some of the best snapshots from Detroit.

Kyrie Irving nails a 3 to seal the game.

Go inside the locker room.

Watch full final game highlights from Tuesday's victory.

Tristan Thompson led the Cavaliers with 16 boards against the Thunder on Sunday and paced the Wine and Gold again in Detroit – grabbing 12 boards, half of those off the offensive glass.

The Wine and Gold didn’t have their best offensive night of the season, but committed just nine turnovers and topped the century mark for the eighth straight game – improving to 21-1 when they score more than 102 points.

Turning Point – Closing quarters out on the road is always important, and the Wine and Gold did exactly that to give themselves all the breathing room they’d need. With 3:25 remaining in the first half, the Cavs and Pistons were tied at 35-apiece. Kyrie’s trey put Cleveland up and keyed a 12-4 run, sending Cleveland into intermission up eight. The Pistons didn’t close the deficit to under five points the rest of the way.

By the Numbers.428 … field goal percentage allowed by the Cavaliers during their seven-game win streak. In the five games since returning from the West Coast trip they’ve been even better – allowing opponents to shoot just .402 from the floor.

QuotableKyrie Irving, on Tuesday night’s win over Detroit …

”The luxury of having other great players on the floor with you at the same time it opens up the floor for everyone. I feel like we're at our best when everybody's in a rhythm.”

Up Next – The Cavaliers continue their four-games-in-five-nights stretch on Wednesday night as Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge and the Blazers come to The Q, as Cleveland tries to avenge a 101-82 loss from early November. The Cavaliers also owe one to the squad that rolls in on Friday night – the Sacramento Kings – who handed the Wine and Gold an embarrassing 103-84 loss back on January 11. On Saturday, the Cavs hit the road to take on the Timberwolves in Minneapolis. (That game is not about revenge; Cleveland smushed Minnesota by three touchdowns on December 23 at The Q.)