Nuggets come back from a double digit deficit to beat the Pistons
Detroit Pistons lose their second straight despite a double digit first half lead against the Denver Nuggets.
The Pistons began the game on fire at both ends of the court beginning the game with a quick flurry of points and stops that allowed them to take a 9-0 lead. After that stretch, Denver was able to quickly fight their way back into the game behind the play of Danillo Gallinari.
No matter who was in front of him, Gallinari was able to make tough shots while getting to the line 16 times, hitting 13 of them for 30 points in total.
The Pistons had 16 turnovers to eight by the Nuggets–and the Nuggets were able to score 23 points off those turnovers compared to the Pistons 11. Another telling statistic was the team’s free throw shooting. Denver was able to get to the line 29 times, hitting 24 (82.8%). Detroit got to the line 19 times but were only able to hit 10 (52.6%).
The key to the Nuggets’ vitctory was the entire third quarter. Both Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond were attacked possession after possession by Emmanuel Mudiay and Nikola Jokic and were unable to find an answer for the onslaught. That enabled the Nuggets to erase a large deficit and go into the fourth with a double digit lead of their own which they were able to hold onto.