Detroit Pistons outlast Bulls to win in four overtimes
By Tim Brokke
The Detroit Pistons were able to outlast the the Chicago Bulls in a wild four overtime game
64. 144. 24. Final. 147
Wow. After a grueling four overtime game that included a myriad of situations that could fill an entire book, I have to fit this game into a measly game review. This game took twitter over, and for good reason, as it was a fantastic game.
The Pistons did two things tonight that I believe led to their win in Chicago:
1. They only had 11 turnovers in 68 minutes of play
2. They out rebounded the best rebounding team in the NBA on their home floor.
There were some individual performances that led this team to a win (Andre and Reggie), but the whole team chipped in.
With their next game not coming until Tuesday of next week, the Pistons have plenty of time to enjoy this win, as well as work to fine-tune some areas where growth is needed. (who knows, they may get Brandon Jennings back too).
REGGIE JACKSON. A-. Reggie was consistently allowing Derrick Rose to go right by him in regulation, and Rose was able to open up space for his teammates as a result. But Reggie came through in big moments, as he has done throughout the season. His performance in 4OT was incredible given the minutes he had already played to that point. He ended the night with 31 points and 13 assists in 50 minutes of play. He was -2 tonight. . PG. Pistons
SG. Pistons. KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE. B. KCP had the impossible task of defending Butler, a physical SG, on a night when the officials were calling the game tight. He fought through foul trouble, but made a big three-point shot with 1:20 left in fourth overtime to extend the Pistons’ lead as the Bulls were surging back. Those two free throws misses with 18 seconds to go could have really hurt as it gave the Bulls life. But no harm, as the Bulls missed the final three-point attempt. He was -7 tonight.
SF. Pistons. MARCUS MORRIS. B. Morris was not as effective this game as he was the last time the Pistons played the Bulls. He was having trouble defending without fouling when he was switched onto Butler, but that certainly was not unique to him. He hit some big shots late in the game, and also was the only starter that was a + in +/-. He was +8 tonight.
PF. Pistons. ERSAN ILYASOVA. C-. Ilyasova had the worst game of any Piston starter tonight. He simply couldn’t get any shots to fall. And what is up with his inconsistent free throw shooting as of late? He missed some important ones late in regulation. With that being said, the space he creates for Reggie and Andre by his mere presence is a huge factor for the Pistons. He was -3 tonight.
A. The beast in the middle stepped up tonight and played a great game. After fighting foul trouble for the entire night with five fouls, Drummond lasted 25 minutes at the end of regulation and multiple overtimes before picking up his sixth. He was a monster and is now averaging 26.5 points and 20.5 rebounds against the Bulls this season. Pau Gasol will be incredibly sore tonight. He was -3 tonight. . C. Pistons. ANDRE DRUMMOND
A-. The rookie had one of his finest games of the year in a pressure-packed situation. With the Pistons down in the 4th quarter, Stanley led the bench to take the lead back while dropping 9 points before being subbed out for KCP. Stanley looked confident and aggressive. It doesn’t hurt to have Doug McDermott guarding you, either. He was +6 tonight. . SF. Pistons. STANLEY JOHNSON
C-. Tolliver shot poorly and did not have much of an impact on the court, aside from some tenacious defense. Not one of his better games, but you know what you will get from this guy- tough play. He was +5 tonight. . PF. Pistons. ANTHONY TOLLIVER
B+. Steve Blake is looking more and more comfortable these days, and was on his way to a triple double before Stan pulled him out for Reggie. He had 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 19 minutes. He was +4 tonight. . PG. Pistons. STEVE BLAKE
C. With Aron Baynes out with back spasms, Joel Anthony had to step in with a larger role than normal. While Joel plays smart, tough defense, he is essentially a corpse on offense. The Pistons struggled to score when he was in the game, but he also didn’t kill them on the defensive end. He was +7 tonight. And that’s only because of Stanley Johnson. . C. Pistons. JOEL ANTHONY
B+. Stan Van Gundy deserves a lot of credit for getting his team to bring it against a tough team on the road. These Pistons have struggled away from the Palace this year, but they came to play tonight. He also wisely guarded his stars, Andre and Reggie, when they were in early foul trouble. That allowed them to be able to make big plays in overtime when maybe they would’ve fouled out with less prudence from the coach. My one caveat: I rarely see a great offensive set out of a timeout. That knocks him down to a B+.. Head Coach. Pistons. STAN VAN GUNDY