The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up their first win of the preseason on Friday night, defeating the Detroit Pistons and snapping an 0-3 start. As expected, Donovan Mitchell led the way offensively with 17 points, while Jarrett Allen added 15 and De’Andre Hunter chipped in 14.
Still, it was the Cavaliers’ defense that stole the spotlight. Cleveland, which ranked eighth in defensive rating and third in the Eastern Conference last season, looks poised to once again be among the NBA’s elite defensive units in 2025-26.
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley anchored the effort, recording three blocks and two steals while setting the tone in the paint. In total, the Cavs combined for 24 blocks and steals against Detroit. Mitchell added three steals, Allen contributed two steals and one block, and newly acquired guard Lonzo Ball impressed off the bench with three blocks of his own.
Ball, known for his defensive awareness and pass-first mentality, appears to be a strong fit in Cleveland’s system. He was acquired from the Chicago Bulls this offseason to replace Ty Jerome, who signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in free agency.
While preseason basketball doesn’t always tell the full story, the Cavaliers’ defensive dominance against Detroit offers a promising preview of what could come this season. With a week to rest before Opening Night, Cleveland will look to carry this momentum into the regular season when it opens against the New York Knicks on Oct. 22 at Madison Square Garden — a matchup that could serve as an early test between two of the East’s top teams.