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Detroit Pistons hold off Charlotte Hornets 115-114

By Joe Imburgia

Sep 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Boban Marjanovic smiles during media day at the Pistons Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Boban Marjanovic smiles during media day at the Pistons Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Pistons (17-21) hold on to defeat the Charlotte Hornets (20-17) by a final score of 115-114.

The Detroit Pistons started the game with some energy which was surprising given their slow starts to many games this season. They played good defense in the first half but couldn’t stop fouling the Hornets. This helped the Hornets stay within striking distance for most of the first half.

The Pistons moved the ball well and were able to knock down some shots in the first half coupled with solid defense on Kemba Walker. The Pistons led 58-48 at halftime.

In the third quarter the Pistons continued to slow down Kemba Walker and Nicholas Batum which caused the Hornets to struggle offensively. The Pistons crashed the boards well with Boban Marjanovic and Andre Drummond dominating the glass.

Though in the fourth quarter, Kemba Walker caught fire and propelled a Hornets comeback. Reggie Jackson and Kemba Walker traded baskets down the stretch until a buzzer beating three by Mario Belinelli was waved off. The Pistons won 115-114 and now head out west for a five game road trip.

A-. Reggie Jackson did a good job of balancing scoring and distribution throughout the game as he tallied 22 points and 11 assists. He played good defense on Kemba Walker at times throughout the first three quarters until Walker got loose in the fourth. Jackson did a nice job of being aggressive on offense in the fourth quarter and scored some big baskets down the stretch.. PG. Detroit Pistons. REGGIE JACKSON

<a rel=. SG. Detroit Pistons. KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE. C

C+. <a rel=. SF. Detroit Pistons. MARCUS MORRIS

A-. <a rel=. PF. Detroit Pistons. TOBIAS HARRIS

B-. Andre Drummond came out with some energy to start the game and looked very engaged. He picked up a few early fouls but managed to still put up 16 points thanks to crashing the boards and a few post moves. He still needs to clean up his fouling mistakes because when he is in foul trouble, the Pistons usually suffer on the glass.. C. Detroit Pistons. ANDRE DRUMMOND

D+. <a rel=. SF. Detroit Pistons. STANLEY JOHNSON

<a rel=. PG. Detroit Pistons. ISH SMITH. C-

C+. <a rel=. PF. Detroit Pistons. JON LEUER

Detroit Pistons. DARRUN HILLIARD. D. <a rel=. SG

A. With <a rel=. C. Detroit Pistons. BOBAN MARJANOVIC

Related Story: Should the Pistons try to trade for Paul Millsap?

Stan Van Gundy’s decision to take out Andre Drummond with foul trouble early in both halves was a simple yet important decision. Playing Boban at center allowed the Pistons to control the glass and better protect the rim. His rotation was 10 deep tonight though Stanley Johnson only played 8 minutes. Van Gundy should have probably played Johnson more over Hilliard because while both struggled to make a shot, at least Johnson could provide some production on defense where Hilliard struggles.. Head Coach. Detroit Pistons. STAN VAN GUNDY. B-

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