Pistons fix woes of a winless team, which unfortunately, was the Lakers
By Dan Feldman
Detroit Pistons |
79
108
Los Angeles Lakers
| Jason Maxiell, PF 19 MIN | 3-7 FG | 2-2 FT | 6 REB | 0 AST | 8 PTS | -26 |
He started very strong with , but he got into foul trouble (at least by the standard of conservative NBA coaches) and faded. Having him guard Dwight Howard for so long is asking too much, but unless Slava Kravtsov is ready to play, there was no other option.
Tayshaun PrinceHe forced his own offense a little more than in the first two games. He still hasn’t done much of the periphery work (rebounding, passing, etc.) necessary to win.
Greg MonroeHis defense on Dwight Howard was up and down, and even though it was mostly down, that’s still better than expected. His offense, though? Yikes. He hasn’t delivered this season.
Brandon KnightHe didn’t shoot well, didn’t see the floor well and didn’t stick with Steve Blake. The Pistons’ offensive shortcomings tonight can’t all be blamed on Knight, but when your point guard plays this poorly, it really hurts.
Rodney StuckeyHe’s shooting 1-for-23 this season. 1-for-23! If his migraines are affecting him this much — and they very well could be — Stuckey should sit. If playing through them means playing like this, he’s hurting the team.
Jonas JerebkoActive from the moment he entered the game, Jerebko definitely pushed the tempo. He was the go-to scorer on the fun bench unit that played late, and the role suited him well. That must have been what his games were like with the Swedish national team.
Kyle Singler 26 MIN | 4-9 FG | 2-2 FT | 5 REB | 2 AST | 11 PTS | +6He complemented Jerebko well and did a little bit of everything. He’s become very fun to watch.
Andre Drummond 22 MIN | 2-6 FG | 1-2 FT | 7 REB | 0 AST | 5 PTS | +2In the first half, he forced a terrible shot and was out of position defensively. Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol dominated the Pistons inside, and though it would seem like Drummond could help in the paint, he couldn’t. Drummond was very active late, and although his energy resulted in only a few positive plays, his hustle was welcome. It will pay more dividends once Drummond gets a better feel for the NBA game.
Will BynumIt was nice to see him defer to Jerebko a bit and pick his spot to attack.
Kim EnglishHis perimeter shooting was a nice addition and had a pure-hustle blocked shot. He might not be a rotation player on every team yet, but he’s clearly working hard on the court, doing everything possible to earn as many minutes as possible.
Austin DayeDNP COACH’S DECISION MINIf he didn’t even get a look in this game, when the Pistons trailed by as many as 36, he must be really far out of the rotation.
Charlie VillanuevaDNP COACH’S DECISIONIf he didn’t even get a look in this game, when the Pistons trailed by as many as 36, he must be really far out of the rotation.