Free throws lift Pistons over Cavs

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Detroit Pistons coach Lawrence Frank was happy his team pulled out a close win. Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott was happy his team showed some progress.

Austin Daye’s two free throws with 3.1 seconds left gave Detroit a 90-89 win over the Cavaliers on Tuesday night.

Daye, who finished with 19 points, was fouled driving to the basket after the Pistons stole an inbounds pass with Cleveland holding an 89-88 lead.

“We were down eight in the fourth quarter and put together three straight stops, while getting the ball back into the paint,” Frank said. “That got us back into it. To shoot 37 percent and win, we had to do some other things right.”

The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 91-87 on Friday. Although Cleveland ended the preseason with a loss, Scott thinks his team has improved since training camp began.

Both teams open the regular season next Monday. The Pistons play at Indiana, while the Cavaliers host Toronto. Scott still isn’t saying if Irving will be in the starting lineup when the season begins.