Rookie Irving sparks Cavs’ win

Associated Press

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.

Kyrie Irving’s first exhibition game was a success.

Irving scored 21 points — including five free throws in the final minute — in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 91-87 victory over Detroit on Friday night.

The Pistons nearly rallied from an 11-point deficit, but they turned the ball over with a chance to tie and Irving helped seal the win from the line.

“I thought it was a great start, especially for the team to get the win, but I know I’ve got to keep getting better every day,” said Irving, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.

The Pistons went on a 10-0 run to cut Cleveland’s lead to one. Irving’s free throw with 30.6 seconds left made it 87-85, and Greg Monroe lost the ball in the low post on Detroit’s next possession.

Irving 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.

“The defenses are way ahead of the offenses at this point, but that’s what you expect after a week of training camp,” Cleveland coach Byron Scott said. “I was just happy with the effort at both ends.”

Brandon Knight, the second point guard picked in the draft behind Irving, had nine points for the Pistons.

Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson, the fourth pick in the draft, scored eight points.

The Pistons are hoping for a fresh start under new coach Lawrence Frank after going 30-52 last season.