CLEVELAND - With guard Larry Hughes injured, the Cavaliers called rookie Daniel Gibson's number on Sunday and gave him the daunting task of defending guard Chauncey Billups or forward Tayshaun Prince.

The result: Gibson proved instrumental in the Cavaliers' 88-82 victory over the boys from Motown. The Detroit Pistons now lead the series 2-1.

While his stats will show only nine points, Gibson hit two valuable 3-point shots -- the first helping to settle him down -- to give the Cavs a lift. He added a heaping portion of defense and an invaluable offensive rebound with a minute to go.

``From that point on, I really felt good,'' Gibson said of the first 3-pointer. ``I started to enjoy it more. I started to get out more on defense. Through the game all the guys were motivating me and it was fun.''

Where Gibson really proved his value was on defense. On one play, he picked the pocket of the lanky Prince, a player who towers over Gibson. He battled him early on other plays and kept him off-balance until help could come.

``If he turned and I had the opportunity to get at the basketball, I was going to go after him,'' Gibson said.

He held Billups in check, as well. He scored 13 points, and, more tellingly, tallied only three assists. He never got into the game's flow.

And Billups noticed.

``I thought Daniel Gibson was huge for them today. He hit some big, big baskets. He forced a couple of turnovers,'' Billups said. ``He's a guy that they bring in, he spaces the floor because he can shoot it. He can shoot it and not only that, he can get to the basket and make plays. He's a very good young player. He made an impact in their win tonight.''

Hughes sprained his left foot in the first quarter and played only 22 minutes of the game.

Back in balance

During the Cavaliers' march through the first two rounds of the playoffs, much was made of the overall balance in scoring. That was sorely missing in the first two games in the Detroit series.

It returned Sunday night, as four Cavs, led by LeBron James with 32 points, hit double figures. Joining James were Zydrunas Ilgauskas (16 points), Sasha Pavlovic (13) and Drew Gooden (12).

Celebrity watch

Browns offensive tackle Kelly Butler, wearing a Detroit Pistons cap, attended Sunday's game. Butler rooted for the team while growing up in Grand Rapids. His teammate, linebacker Willie McGinest, could be seen close by.

Butler wasn't the only celebrity in town for the Pistons. Kid Rock turned up, as well.... Comedian-actor Mike Epps, co-star of films such as Next Friday and Friday After Next, popped in.... Former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Troy Smith, drafted last month by the Baltimore Ravens, and Shane Olivea, an offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers, were also spotted at Quicken Loans Arena.

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