Cavaliers crush Pistons 116-95 as Donovan Mitchell drops 35 in 29 minutes

The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t just beat the Detroit Pistons — they dismantled them. On Monday night, October 27, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena, Cleveland rolled to a 116-95 victory, extending their winning streak to three games and sending a clear message to the Eastern Conference: they’re locked in. The game, tipped off at 7:00 PM ET, wasn’t close after the first quarter. By halftime, the Cavaliers led by 18. By the fourth, the starters were on the bench, watching the clock wind down like a victory parade.

Donovan Mitchell: A Scoring Masterclass

Donovan Mitchell didn’t just score 35 points. He made it look effortless. In just 29 minutes of playing time — less than a full game — he shot 13-of-20 from the field, 5-of-7 from three, and added 6 assists. That’s more than one point per minute. He didn’t need to play the fourth quarter. He didn’t need to force anything. He just clicked. When the Pistons doubled him, he found open shooters. When they left him alone, he blew past them like they were standing still. This wasn’t a hot hand. This was precision.

Cleveland’s Depth Is Their Secret Weapon

The Cavaliers didn’t win because of Mitchell alone. They won because they have no weak spots. Jarrett Allen controlled the paint with 14 rebounds and 12 points. Evan Mobley blocked three shots and altered countless others. Dean Wade hit three threes off the bench. Even Tyrese Proctor, a rookie barely on the radar, played 11 minutes and looked composed. Coach JB Bickerstaff rotated 12 players, and every single one contributed. No one carried the load. Everyone shared it. That’s the hallmark of a team that trusts its system — and it’s terrifying for opponents.

Pistons’ Rebuilding Struggles Deepen

For the Pistons, it was another sobering night. Cade Cunningham, their franchise cornerstone, finished with 18 points but shot just 6-of-19. Tobias Harris, the veteran leader, looked lost trying to carry an offense that had no rhythm. Jalen Duren, the promising young center, was outmuscled by Allen and Mobley. The Pistons shot 41% from the field — below their season average. They turned the ball over 17 times. They missed 14 of 33 three-pointers. And worst of all? They looked tired. Not physically tired — mentally tired. Like they’d already accepted defeat before tip-off.

It’s not just about losing. It’s about how they’re losing. Against teams with structure, discipline, and purpose — like the Cavaliers — Detroit’s youth movement looks more like chaos than promise. They have talent. They have draft picks. But they don’t yet have a system. And in the NBA, talent without structure doesn’t win games. It just prolongs the pain.

Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score

Cleveland’s three-game win streak isn’t just a blip. It’s a statement. Last season, they were a playoff team that faded under pressure. This year? They’re playing with calm confidence. They’re not relying on Mitchell to carry them every night. They’re playing as a unit. And that’s why they’re now tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference — just two games behind the top seed.

Meanwhile, Detroit sits at 2-7. They’ve lost five of their last six. Their defense ranks 28th in the league. Their bench scoring? Dead last. The front office is still in rebuild mode, but the clock is ticking. Fans at Little Caesars Arena aren’t just hoping for better days — they’re starting to wonder if those days will ever come.

What’s Next?

The Cavaliers head to Milwaukee on Wednesday to face the Bucks — a true test of their mettle. If they can win there, their status as a genuine contender becomes undeniable. For the Pistons? They return home on Wednesday to face the Orlando Magic — a game they absolutely must win. Anything less, and the pressure on head coach Monty Williams will intensify. The draft lottery odds are rising. The roster is full of potential. But potential doesn’t win games. Execution does.

What’s clear after this game? Cleveland isn’t just good. They’re dangerous. And Detroit? They’re still searching for their identity.