AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Kyrie Irving scored 20 of his 31 points in the second half, and the Cleveland Cavaliers finished off a four-game sweep of the Detroit Pistons, holding on for a 100-98 victory Sunday night.
The Cavs advance to the second round to play either Atlanta or Boston.
LeBron James had 22 points for Cleveland, but it was Irving who made the biggest shots all night. His midcourt buzzer beater put the Cavs up 81-78 after the third quarter, and with Cleveland clinging to a one-point lead in the final minute, he calmly sank a 3-pointer from the right wing with 42 seconds remaining.
Detroit still had a chance at the end, but Reggie Jackson’s wild shot at the buzzer was off the mark.
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James says he has not committed to play for the United States at the Olympics.
A message Saturday on the Twitter account of longtime NBA writer Peter Vecsey said James and Carmelo Anthony had accepted Olympic invites.
James spoke at Cleveland’s shoot around Sunday before a playoff game at Detroit. When asked if he has committed to the Rio Games, he said: “I have not.”
James would have a chance to win his third Olympic gold medal if he plays in Brazil this summer.