×
Deadspin | Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins power Pistons past Cavaliers

Deadspin | Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins power Pistons past Cavaliers

Sports news

Jan 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots over the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Cade Cunningham had 27 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and Daniss Jenkins scored 21 of his 25 points in the second quarter, giving the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons a 114-110 win over the host Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon.

Donovan Mitchell had 10 points in the fourth to pull Cleveland within 108-106, but was stripped by Isaiah Stewart in the frontcourt with 36 seconds remaining. Ausar Thompson tipped in a basket at the other end to make it 110-106 Detroit.

Two-way guard Jenkins then made four free throws in the final six seconds to ice the win for the Pistons, who had lost nine straight games in Cleveland and are 2-13 against their Central Division rival in the last 15 meetings.

Jenkins went 7-of-7 from the field, 6-of-6 on 3-point attempts and 1-of-1 from the foul line while playing all 12 minutes in the second, helping Detroit score a season-high 47 points and seize a 66-56 halftime lead.

The Pistons made all 21 of their free-throw attempts with Cunningham sinking 11. Duncan Robinson had 12 points and Javonte Green scored 11 off the bench as Detroit won for the second time in its last five contests.

Mitchell finished with 30 points — 23 in the second half — and fellow guard Darius Garland had 16 points and six assists. The Cavaliers had a three-game winning streak snapped and went 2-1 on their homestand.

Sam Merrill and Evan Mobley scored 15 points apiece for Cleveland, which trailed 106-93 with 4:41 left before Mitchell erupted for seven points in a 59-second span. Garland made a jumper to get the Cavaliers within two with 1:156 on the clock.

Merrill had nine points on three 3-pointers as Cleveland built a 28-19 advantage in the first. Jenkins’ second quarter barrage put the Pistons ahead for good.

Pistons center Jalen Duren (right ankle sprain), power forward Tobias Harris (left hip sprain) and shooting guard Caris LeVert (left knee inflammation) did not travel to Cleveland and are out indefinitely.

Duren, who is averaging 17.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, will have his status updated in a week and Harris will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (illness) and power forward Dean Wade (left knee bruise) were pregame scratches, moving Merrill into the starting lineup.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Cade #Cunningham #Daniss #Jenkins #power #Pistons #Cavaliers

Related Posts

Deadspin | Max Muncy’s 2 homers power Dodgers to rout of Rockies Apr 17, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) leaves third base to score a run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Max Muncy homered twice and hit an RBI double as the Los Angeles Dodgers opened a four-game series with a 7-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on chilly Friday night in Denver. Shohei Ohtani had two hits to extend his on-base streak to 49 games, the fifth-longest run in Dodgers history. Los Angeles starter Tyler Glasnow (2-0) allowed just two hits, two walks and a run while striking out seven in seven strong innings. Jack Dreyer handled the last two innings to close out a combined two-hitter. Will Smith and Freddie Freeman had two hits apiece for Los Angeles, which has won four in a row. The temperature at first pitch was 35 degrees and dropped into the high 20s by the end of the game. Ohtani led off the game with a double to continue his on-base streak that started last Aug. 24. He is one behind “Wee” Willie Keeler for fourth and nine short of the franchise record (since 1900) of 58, which Duke Snider set in 1954. Ohtani eventually scored on Smith’s sacrifice fly to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead. Mickey Moniak doubled and scored the lone run for the Rockies, who have lost seven of their past eight games. Muncy led off the second inning with his first home run of the night, and the Dodgers doubled the lead in the third. Smith led off with a single, went to second when Freeman walked, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Muncy’s double. Freeman came home on Andy Pages’ sacrifice fly to make it 4-0. Smith’s RBI single in the fourth drove in Kyle Tucker. Rockies starter Tomoyuki Sugano (1-1) allowed five runs on nine hits, walked two and struck out three in four innings. Colorado got to Glasnow in the bottom of the fourth. Moniak led off with a double, moved to third on TJ Rumfield’s groundout and then scored on Troy Johnston’s grounder to third. Glasnow retired 11 in a row after Moniak’s double, a streak broken by Ezequiel Tovar’s two-out double in the seventh. The Dodgers tacked on two more runs in the fifth on Muncy’s second homer of the night, his sixth of the season, and a sacrifice fly from Alex Freeland. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Max #Muncys #homers #power #Dodgers #rout #RockiesApr 17, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) leaves third base to score a run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Max Muncy homered twice and hit an RBI double as the Los Angeles Dodgers opened a four-game series with a 7-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on chilly Friday night in Denver.

Shohei Ohtani had two hits to extend his on-base streak to 49 games, the fifth-longest run in Dodgers history.

Los Angeles starter Tyler Glasnow (2-0) allowed just two hits, two walks and a run while striking out seven in seven strong innings. Jack Dreyer handled the last two innings to close out a combined two-hitter.

Will Smith and Freddie Freeman had two hits apiece for Los Angeles, which has won four in a row.

The temperature at first pitch was 35 degrees and dropped into the high 20s by the end of the game.

Ohtani led off the game with a double to continue his on-base streak that started last Aug. 24. He is one behind “Wee” Willie Keeler for fourth and nine short of the franchise record (since 1900) of 58, which Duke Snider set in 1954.

Ohtani eventually scored on Smith’s sacrifice fly to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead.


Mickey Moniak doubled and scored the lone run for the Rockies, who have lost seven of their past eight games.

Muncy led off the second inning with his first home run of the night, and the Dodgers doubled the lead in the third. Smith led off with a single, went to second when Freeman walked, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Muncy’s double.

Freeman came home on Andy Pages’ sacrifice fly to make it 4-0.

Smith’s RBI single in the fourth drove in Kyle Tucker.

Rockies starter Tomoyuki Sugano (1-1) allowed five runs on nine hits, walked two and struck out three in four innings.

Colorado got to Glasnow in the bottom of the fourth. Moniak led off with a double, moved to third on TJ Rumfield’s groundout and then scored on Troy Johnston’s grounder to third.

Glasnow retired 11 in a row after Moniak’s double, a streak broken by Ezequiel Tovar’s two-out double in the seventh.

The Dodgers tacked on two more runs in the fifth on Muncy’s second homer of the night, his sixth of the season, and a sacrifice fly from Alex Freeland.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Max #Muncys #homers #power #Dodgers #rout #Rockies">Deadspin | Max Muncy’s 2 homers power Dodgers to rout of Rockies Apr 17, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) leaves third base to score a run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Max Muncy homered twice and hit an RBI double as the Los Angeles Dodgers opened a four-game series with a 7-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on chilly Friday night in Denver. Shohei Ohtani had two hits to extend his on-base streak to 49 games, the fifth-longest run in Dodgers history. Los Angeles starter Tyler Glasnow (2-0) allowed just two hits, two walks and a run while striking out seven in seven strong innings. Jack Dreyer handled the last two innings to close out a combined two-hitter. Will Smith and Freddie Freeman had two hits apiece for Los Angeles, which has won four in a row. The temperature at first pitch was 35 degrees and dropped into the high 20s by the end of the game. Ohtani led off the game with a double to continue his on-base streak that started last Aug. 24. He is one behind “Wee” Willie Keeler for fourth and nine short of the franchise record (since 1900) of 58, which Duke Snider set in 1954. Ohtani eventually scored on Smith’s sacrifice fly to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead. Mickey Moniak doubled and scored the lone run for the Rockies, who have lost seven of their past eight games. Muncy led off the second inning with his first home run of the night, and the Dodgers doubled the lead in the third. Smith led off with a single, went to second when Freeman walked, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Muncy’s double. Freeman came home on Andy Pages’ sacrifice fly to make it 4-0. Smith’s RBI single in the fourth drove in Kyle Tucker. Rockies starter Tomoyuki Sugano (1-1) allowed five runs on nine hits, walked two and struck out three in four innings. Colorado got to Glasnow in the bottom of the fourth. Moniak led off with a double, moved to third on TJ Rumfield’s groundout and then scored on Troy Johnston’s grounder to third. Glasnow retired 11 in a row after Moniak’s double, a streak broken by Ezequiel Tovar’s two-out double in the seventh. The Dodgers tacked on two more runs in the fifth on Muncy’s second homer of the night, his sixth of the season, and a sacrifice fly from Alex Freeland. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Max #Muncys #homers #power #Dodgers #rout #Rockies

Phoenix Suns ended Golden State Warriors’ season and Orlando Magic thrashed Charlotte Hornets as the NBA playoffs’ final teams were decided Friday.

Jalen Green put in a dazzling performance with 36 points, including eight triples, to secure the Western Conference No. 8 seed for Phoenix with a 111-96 win over Stephen Curry’s Warriors.

The Suns got off to a bright start with a 33-15 lead in the first quarter, before the Warriors cut the deficit to five points at half-time.

But the Suns still managed to keep the wasteful Warriors at arms’ length, successfully limiting veteran superstar Curry to just 17 points.

With barely a minute left, Jordan Goodwin intercepted a pass intended for Curry, and scored a transition bucket, before adding a three on the Suns’ next possession to secure the win.

Victory set up a first-round playoff clash for the Suns against Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending NBA champion.

“Happy as hell. We came out fire, we knew this was a do-or-die game,” said Green, who added six rebounds and four assists.

For the injury-plagued and ageing Warriors, who won the NBA title in 2022, it was a disappointing end to a third consecutive season in the play-in tournament, crashing out before the playoffs as they did in 2024.

In fiery late scenes, two Warriors players — Draymond Green and Devin Booker — were ejected from the court, with Green continuing to taunt the home Suns’ fans as he departed.

Magic outmuscle Hornets

The Magic beat the Hornets 121-90 to keep their season alive and set up a daunting first-round playoff series against the Eastern Conference top-seeded Detroit Pistons.

Paolo Banchero top-scored with 25 points in the Magic’s last chance to qualify for the post-season via the play-in tournament, having failed at their first attempt against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.

A physical, tough Magic outfit outmuscled the youthful Hornets from the tip-off of the win-or-go-home game in front of a sell-out 19,000 home crowd at the Magic’s Kia Canter.

Banchero bulldozed Hornets’ defence, scoring 12 in the first quarter alone.

Having never trailed by more than a single point, the Magic soon stretched comfortably clear, establishing a giant 35-point lead shortly before half-time.

Recovering from a sluggish start, LaMelo Bell — the hero of the Hornets’ first play-in game against Miami on Tuesday —exploded after the break.

He poured in 21 points in the third quarter alone as he tried to single-handedly extend the Hornets’ season.

But the Magic’s lead never dipped below 20 points, as they eased to a win against a the Hornets who had finished the regular season in strong form.

Victory ensured the Magic have reached the playoffs for the third straight season, while the Hornets’ decade-long wait goes on.

The NBA playoffs begin Saturday.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#NBA #Steph #Curry #fails #fire #Warriors #lose #Sun #Magic #routs #Hornets">NBA: Steph Curry fails to fire as Warriors lose to Sun; Magic routs Hornets Phoenix Suns ended Golden State Warriors’ season and Orlando Magic thrashed Charlotte Hornets as the NBA playoffs’ final teams were decided Friday.Jalen Green put in a dazzling performance with 36 points, including eight triples, to secure the Western Conference No. 8 seed for Phoenix with a 111-96 win over Stephen Curry’s Warriors.The Suns got off to a bright start with a 33-15 lead in the first quarter, before the Warriors cut the deficit to five points at half-time.But the Suns still managed to keep the wasteful Warriors at arms’ length, successfully limiting veteran superstar Curry to just 17 points.With barely a minute left, Jordan Goodwin intercepted a pass intended for Curry, and scored a transition bucket, before adding a three on the Suns’ next possession to secure the win.Victory set up a first-round playoff clash for the Suns against Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending NBA champion.“Happy as hell. We came out fire, we knew this was a do-or-die game,” said Green, who added six rebounds and four assists.For the injury-plagued and ageing Warriors, who won the NBA title in 2022, it was a disappointing end to a third consecutive season in the play-in tournament, crashing out before the playoffs as they did in 2024.In fiery late scenes, two Warriors players — Draymond Green and Devin Booker — were ejected from the court, with Green continuing to taunt the home Suns’ fans as he departed.Magic outmuscle HornetsThe Magic beat the Hornets 121-90 to keep their season alive and set up a daunting first-round playoff series against the Eastern Conference top-seeded Detroit Pistons.Paolo Banchero top-scored with 25 points in the Magic’s last chance to qualify for the post-season via the play-in tournament, having failed at their first attempt against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.A physical, tough Magic outfit outmuscled the youthful Hornets from the tip-off of the win-or-go-home game in front of a sell-out 19,000 home crowd at the Magic’s Kia Canter.Banchero bulldozed Hornets’ defence, scoring 12 in the first quarter alone.Having never trailed by more than a single point, the Magic soon stretched comfortably clear, establishing a giant 35-point lead shortly before half-time.Recovering from a sluggish start, LaMelo Bell — the hero of the Hornets’ first play-in game against Miami on Tuesday —exploded after the break.He poured in 21 points in the third quarter alone as he tried to single-handedly extend the Hornets’ season.But the Magic’s lead never dipped below 20 points, as they eased to a win against a the Hornets who had finished the regular season in strong form.Victory ensured the Magic have reached the playoffs for the third straight season, while the Hornets’ decade-long wait goes on.The NBA playoffs begin Saturday.Published on Apr 18, 2026 #NBA #Steph #Curry #fails #fire #Warriors #lose #Sun #Magic #routs #Hornets

Deadspin | Nolan Arenado, Michael Soroka carry D-backs over Jays Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Nolan Arenado homered for the third time in four games and drove in two, Michael Soroka won his fourth game and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 in Phoenix on Friday. Arenado had two hits, and his two-out RBI single for a 5-2 lead capped a two-run seventh inning kept alive on first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-out fielding error. Soroka (4-0) gave up two runs and five hits in a season-long seven innings, with five strikeouts and no walks. He has more wins this season than in the previous five years combined, when he missed extended time with Achilles tendon, arm and shoulder injuries. Ketel Marte had two hits and scored twice and Corbin Carroll and Jose Fernandez had run-scoring singles for the Diamondbacks, who have won nine of 12. The D-Backs have won 12 games since March 30. NL West rival San Diego had won 12 in that span entering Friday. Myles Straw had two hits, including his first homer, and Guerrero had an RBI single for the Blue Jays, who have lost five of six and 11 of 14. Guerrero singled in a run in the eighth inning to make it 5-3 before Tim Tawa doubled in an insurance run in the Arizona half. Paul Sewald pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for this seventh save. Arizona second baseman Ildemaro Vargas singled to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 13 games, the longest such streak in franchise history. He has a 16-game hitting streak dating to last September. Eric Lauer (1-3) gave up three runs and five hits in three innings, with four strikeouts and one walk. He entered in the second inning after Braydon Fisher pitched a scoreless first. Straw and Jesus Sanchez singled to put runners on the corners with one out in the fourth before Lenyn Sosa’s sacrifice bunt drove in Straw for a 1-0 lead. Arenado’s 382-foot homer tied it with two outs in the fourth. Carroll and Fernandez had RBI singles off Lauer in the fifth for a 3-1 lead. Straw’s homer in the sixth cut the Blue Jays’ deficit to 3-2. Straw entered the game in the bottom of the third to replace center fielder Daulton Varsho, who was removed with left knee discomfort. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nolan #Arenado #Michael #Soroka #carry #Dbacks #JaysApr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Nolan Arenado homered for the third time in four games and drove in two, Michael Soroka won his fourth game and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 in Phoenix on Friday.

Arenado had two hits, and his two-out RBI single for a 5-2 lead capped a two-run seventh inning kept alive on first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-out fielding error.

Soroka (4-0) gave up two runs and five hits in a season-long seven innings, with five strikeouts and no walks. He has more wins this season than in the previous five years combined, when he missed extended time with Achilles tendon, arm and shoulder injuries.

Ketel Marte had two hits and scored twice and Corbin Carroll and Jose Fernandez had run-scoring singles for the Diamondbacks, who have won nine of 12.

The D-Backs have won 12 games since March 30. NL West rival San Diego had won 12 in that span entering Friday.

Myles Straw had two hits, including his first homer, and Guerrero had an RBI single for the Blue Jays, who have lost five of six and 11 of 14.


Guerrero singled in a run in the eighth inning to make it 5-3 before Tim Tawa doubled in an insurance run in the Arizona half.

Paul Sewald pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for this seventh save.

Arizona second baseman Ildemaro Vargas singled to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 13 games, the longest such streak in franchise history. He has a 16-game hitting streak dating to last September.

Eric Lauer (1-3) gave up three runs and five hits in three innings, with four strikeouts and one walk. He entered in the second inning after Braydon Fisher pitched a scoreless first.

Straw and Jesus Sanchez singled to put runners on the corners with one out in the fourth before Lenyn Sosa’s sacrifice bunt drove in Straw for a 1-0 lead.

Arenado’s 382-foot homer tied it with two outs in the fourth. Carroll and Fernandez had RBI singles off Lauer in the fifth for a 3-1 lead.

Straw’s homer in the sixth cut the Blue Jays’ deficit to 3-2. Straw entered the game in the bottom of the third to replace center fielder Daulton Varsho, who was removed with left knee discomfort.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nolan #Arenado #Michael #Soroka #carry #Dbacks #Jays">Deadspin | Nolan Arenado, Michael Soroka carry D-backs over Jays Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Nolan Arenado homered for the third time in four games and drove in two, Michael Soroka won his fourth game and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 in Phoenix on Friday. Arenado had two hits, and his two-out RBI single for a 5-2 lead capped a two-run seventh inning kept alive on first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s two-out fielding error. Soroka (4-0) gave up two runs and five hits in a season-long seven innings, with five strikeouts and no walks. He has more wins this season than in the previous five years combined, when he missed extended time with Achilles tendon, arm and shoulder injuries. Ketel Marte had two hits and scored twice and Corbin Carroll and Jose Fernandez had run-scoring singles for the Diamondbacks, who have won nine of 12. The D-Backs have won 12 games since March 30. NL West rival San Diego had won 12 in that span entering Friday. Myles Straw had two hits, including his first homer, and Guerrero had an RBI single for the Blue Jays, who have lost five of six and 11 of 14. Guerrero singled in a run in the eighth inning to make it 5-3 before Tim Tawa doubled in an insurance run in the Arizona half. Paul Sewald pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for this seventh save. Arizona second baseman Ildemaro Vargas singled to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 13 games, the longest such streak in franchise history. He has a 16-game hitting streak dating to last September. Eric Lauer (1-3) gave up three runs and five hits in three innings, with four strikeouts and one walk. He entered in the second inning after Braydon Fisher pitched a scoreless first. Straw and Jesus Sanchez singled to put runners on the corners with one out in the fourth before Lenyn Sosa’s sacrifice bunt drove in Straw for a 1-0 lead. Arenado’s 382-foot homer tied it with two outs in the fourth. Carroll and Fernandez had RBI singles off Lauer in the fifth for a 3-1 lead. Straw’s homer in the sixth cut the Blue Jays’ deficit to 3-2. Straw entered the game in the bottom of the third to replace center fielder Daulton Varsho, who was removed with left knee discomfort. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nolan #Arenado #Michael #Soroka #carry #Dbacks #Jays

Post Comment