CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) – Dion Waiters scored 22 points as the Cavaliers — their playoff hopes hanging by a thread — routed the Detroit Pistons 122-100 on Wednesday night.
Tyler Zeller scored 18 and rookie Matthew Dellavedova had 14 points and 12 assists for Cleveland, which entered the night trailing Atlanta by 3½ games for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.
As the Hawks were hosting Boston, the Cavs played with passion and purpose — two things missing too often earlier this season.
Spencer Hawes added 15 points for the Cavs, who led by 32 at half and rolled to one of their best all-around performances in what has been an otherwise disappointing season.
Brandon Jennings scored 17 after missing his first 10 shots for the Pistons.