Marcus Morris leads Detroit Pistons to big road win over Dallas Mavericks

Mar 9, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) dunks the ball over Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Pistons defeat the Mavericks 102-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) dunks the ball over Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Pistons defeat the Mavericks 102-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

64. Final. 96. 79. 102

Facing the biggest stretch of their season, the Pistons got big games from Andre Drummond and Marcus Morris as they won a key game against the Mavericks in Dallas on Wednesday.

C-. I would imagine you can count on one hand the number of times the Pistons have won with Jackson playing so poorly offensively. He didn’t turn the ball over, but he scored just 10 points (on 4-of-13 shooting) and handed out just 4 assists. He did play good defense on Deron Williams (8 points, 3-of-13 shooting) and hit the biggest shot of the game when his desperation 3-pointer went down in the final minutes. He’ll need to rebound with Kemba Walker up next.. PG. Pistons. REGGIE JACKSON

SG. Pistons. KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE. C+. While Caldwell-Pope’s jumper is still missing, his overall effort tonight was good. He did a nice job defensively against Wes Matthews and, despite missing 11 of his 16 shots, made plays. The loose ball he beat J.J. Barea for that resulted in a fourth quarter layup was big.

B+. He looked lost early, but as the game wore on Harris found his way. With Dirk Nowitzki guarding him for much of the night, Harris did whatever he wanted offensively. While he struggled defensively, he made the kind of creative, 1-on-1 scoring plays that the Pistons needed on a night where Jackson struggled.. SF. Pistons. TOBIAS HARRIS

A-. It was a big night from Morris, who sealed the game with a steal in the final minute. Though he, along with Harris, struggled to contain Chandler Parsons, eventually Morris got the upper hand late. From big 3-pointers to clutch defense, Morris may not have been the Pistons best player, but he surely was the most important.. SF. Pistons. MARCUS MORRIS

Dallas has been susceptible to athletic big men recently and Drummond was the latest to ring up a huge night against Zaza Pachulia and David Lee. He had 20 points at half and, though he scored just five in the second, still finished with 25 points and 17 boards. He dominated. The only reason he has an A- is because he made just 5-of-14 shots from the line.. C. Pistons. ANDRE DRUMMOND. A-

C. This was a rare bad game from Baynes, who really wasn’t needed with Drummond playing as well as he did. Baynes did rebound well and block two shots, but he really didn’t make much of an impact individually.. C. Pistons. ARON BAYNES

STEVE BLAKE. B. There are some nights where Blake turns back the clock. Tonight was one of those nights. He played at his own pace and set up the Pistons bench nicely with four assists. He had five huge points in the fourth quarter, one scoop layup and another long jumper off a bobbled ball. Not a bad night for the old man.. PG. Pistons

B+. Stan Van Gundy is getting more and more comfortable with Bullock and it showed tonight with a first quarter cameo. I’m not sure I totally buy him as a legitimate rotation player yet, but he’s playing very well right now — much of his 5-point, 8-rebound effort came in the first half and it was big. Give me a few more good games and maybe I’ll buy stock.. SG. Pistons. REGGIE BULLOCK

B. The Pistons haven’t had much luck with Western Conference teams in recent years, but to go on the road and win at Dallas — a solid, veteran playoff team — is a huge step for Detroit. The Mavs torched the Pistons from 3-point range in the first half, but as the game progressed, the Piston’s defense stepped up. I like that Bullock has been the first guy off the bench. He’s playing well, so utilize him with the starters a bit. If the Pistons can take two of the final three games on this trip — which would mean winning two of three at Charlotte, Philadelphia and Washington — they’re set up very nicely for the big home stand coming up.. Head Coach. Pistons. STAN VAN GUNDY