(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI -- The Cleveland Cavaliers got their first look at an NBA team in the 2019 Preseason as they squared off against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. The young Cavaliers team jumped out to a game-high 19-point lead in the third quarter, before giving up a 13-0 run to the Pistons as they let them back into the game. The youth of the Cavaliers team showed as the Pistons refused to go away down the stretch, taking the lead with just over a minute remaining in the game. After gaining their first lead since the first quarter, the Pistons closed out the visiting Cavs by the final score of 109-105.
When speaking to the media following Thursday's practice, head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers John Beilein explained that he was excited to see how his guys will matchup against another NBA team. Second year guard Collin Sexton showed an impressive jump shot in the Cavs second preseason game. Sexton led all scorers with 24 point, shooting 6-13 from the field. Brandon Knight led the Cleveland bench in scoring with 11 points, followed by 10 points from Jordan Clarkson. Cavaliers' first round draft choice Darius Garland came up wobbling after a lay-up attempt in the first half, and was later diagnosed with a rolled left ankle.
Second year guard out of Miami University Bruce Brown Jr had the hot bhand for the Pistons down the stretch, helping the Pistons secure their second preseason win of the year. Brown Jr contributed 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists in a winning effort. Detroit big man Andre Drummond went for 15 points, pulling in 8 rebounds.
The Cavaliers move to 1-1 in the 2019 Preseason as they get ready to head to Boston, Massachusetts to take on the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Tip off for Sunday's exhibition game is set for 3:00 pm ET at TD Garden in Boston. Check out highlights from Friday's game below!