Cavaliers vs. Pistons final score: Detroit wins defensive battle, 89-79

The Detroit Pistons outlasted the Cleveland Cavaliers 89-79 in a rather ugly affair at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Monday night.

Detroit started out hot, racing to a 56-39 halftime lead. However, the Pistons' offense fell apart in the second half, as they notched just 33 second-half points. Luckily for Detroit, its defense was able to keep Cleveland at bay. The Cavs got the deficit within six in the fourth quarter, but were never able to get closer than that.

Detroit held Cleveland to just 33.7 percent shooting and 15 percent (3-of-20) from three-point land. The Pistons did allow the Cavs to grab 20 offensive rebounds, but Cleveland was not able to take full advantage of the extra opportunities.

Brandon Knight led Detroit with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Both Tayshaun Prince and Kyle Singler added 15 points for the Pistons, who improved to 6-13 on the season.

Cleveland's lone bright spot was Anderson Varejao, who continued his monster start to the season with 17 points and 18 rebounds. The Cavs fell to 4-14 and are desperately awaiting the return of Kyrie Irving from a broken finger.