The Pistons learned the hard way tonight that you simply cannot let up for any stretch of the game against a team like the Spurs.
The Spurs’ bench dominated the second quarter, Tony Parker dominated the third, and that was the difference in the game. Credit the Pistons for battling in the fourth to cut the lead to six at one point, but it was too little too late. Every time the crowd started getting back into it, the Spurs got an open look and nailed it. That is what happens when you dig yourself a hole against a team who is as maddeningly consistent as the Spurs. The officials didn’t help the Pistons’ cause in this game, but that was hardly the deciding factor.
Here are the grades:
