Cavs vs. Pistons final score: Cavs fall behind early, lose 89-79

The Cleveland Cavaliers fell behind big in the first quarter and were never able to recover, losing 89-79 to the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

Detroit opened the game on a 14-4 run to build a double-digit lead. After Cleveland cut the lead to five, the Pistons closed the quarter on a 16-8 run to take a 30-17 lead after the first quarter. That lead grew to as many 22 points during the second quarter. Cleveland trailed 56-39 at halftime.

The Cavs cut into the lead in the third quarter, and cut the Detroit lead to six in the fourth quarter, but were unable to get any closer. Anderson Varejao led the way for Cleveland with 17 points and 18 rebounds. Tristan Thompson also finished with a double-double for the Cavs, scoring 10 points to go along with 11 rebounds.

The loss was Cleveland's sixth in their last seven games. The Cavs have struggled on the road recently, losing nine of their last 10 games away from home.