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.
101. 64. 104. 73. Final
D+. Jackson started the game very well in the early exchanges. After the first 4 or 5 minutes though, he continued to look for his own shot at the detriment of the team. He was inefficient and despite a good finish during crunch time that helped inflate his box score he was disappointing in this one.. PG. Pistons. REGGIE JACKSON
C-. Another starter that began the game quite well. His shot stopped falling for him early and despite working hard on the defensive end, including a huge blocked shot over the final few seconds that kept the Pistons in it. His offense really let him down. He scored 16 points on 16 shots and had a team low -21 while on the court.. SG. Pistons. KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE
STANLEY JOHNSON. B+. Johnson was one of the key bench players that helped the Pistons to an early lead and then helped them fight back at the start of the fourth. His offense continues to improve and his defense was solid. He was one of a number of players to struggle finding ways to slow down Gallinari. His offense looks to be improving in leaps and bounds.. SF. Pistons
B+. Scored 20 points on just 10 shots going 7-10 from the field and 3-4 from the three point line. Did a fine job of bouncing back from early foul trouble when guarding Gallinari and did contend most shots but unfortunately for him, Gallinari kept hitting them.. SF. Pistons. MARCUS MORRIS
C. Pistons. ANDRE DRUMMOND. F. One of the worst performances of the season for Drummond. Finished with 4 points and 8 rebounds, playing only 18 minutes. After a really good start to the game over the opening two minutes, Drummond picked up two quick fouls and sat more the majority of this one. He didn’t pick up another foul but I believe Stan Van Gundy chose to go with Baynes who was having a really good game at both ends.
A+. 13 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocked shots while shooting 6-7 from the floor. This was as good a game you will get from the big Aussie and the fact he played 30 minutes against Drummond’s 18 says it all.. C. Pistons. ARON BAYNES
PF. Pistons. ANTHONY TOLLIVER. C+. Tolliver hit the shots he was given but was otherwise quiet in this. Worked hard as always and played a key part in some big runs by the Pistons.
BRANDON JENNINGS. B+. Jennings finished with 10 rebounds to go along with 5 Points and 4 assists. When I watch the Pistons with Jennings running the point, I feel he really looks for his teammates before his own which is a positive trait of a point guard. It’s no coincidence the Pistons bench have been playing significantly better since his return from injury.. PG. Pistons
ERSAN ILYASOVA. C. I find Ilyasova can disappear in games, he often starts strong but goes for long stretches without doing much of anything. He did some things well early including some offensive rebounds that lead to easy points. I think the Pistons need to do a better job getting him some more looks on offense so they can continue to get those hustle plays from him as the game progresses.. PF. Pistons
INC. Only played 7 minutes so a bit tough to grade. He did play well in those minutes though finishing with 2 points, 2 assists and 1 rebound. SG. Pistons. DARRUN HILLIARD II
Pistons. STAN VAN GUNDY. C-. The Pistons came out really strong in this and I like to think the coach had them wound up perfectly to begin with. They once again built an early lead to only give it all away, and some, in a disappointing quarter. The Pistons really do struggle putting four consecutive quarters together and I think Van Gundy needs to take some responsibility for that.. Head Coach