Detroit Pistons lose title in Orlando Summer League
The Detroit Pistons coughed up another lead late, culminating in a loss in the championship game against the Dallas Mavericks, despite heroics from rookie Luke Kennard
The Detroit Pistons lost in the Orlando Summer League championship for the second year in a row. Luke Kennard did his best hero ball nailing a game-tying three with 6 seconds left. Unfortunately, Dallas was able to hit a last second shot to pull ahead for the win.
Here’s my thoughts on the game, as well as some highlights via my twitter timeline:
Vince Carter on Ellenson and Kennard pic.twitter.com/HXlFZNfB0P
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Another great play by Kennard in transition. He's excelled in that area.
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Nice take by Kennard. Went with the one-leg Dirk finish.
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Kennard gets mentioned along the lines of making a Steph curry play. I actually have said his moves remind me of curry pic.twitter.com/tqzFxgXpPd
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Check out this bounce pass by Lorenzo Brown pic.twitter.com/6eZCIsk5vb
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Vince Carter gives Lorenzo a 49/50 on this one pic.twitter.com/Xy7jvAggnu
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Pierre Jackson has been so steady for the Pistons. He's clearly outplaying the competition in Orl .Would love to see him get a shot at NBA
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Officiating has been questionable at best in championship game. Interesting to see the calls they are making vs the one's they are not.
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Third make for Jackson at the end of a shot clock in Summer League so far. He's got a knack for hitting big shots.
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Ellenson gets probably his second clean look of the game. He hits it. Dallas has done a good job keeping Ellenson's attempts down
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
The is bands down the dunk of Orlando Summer League m. Vince Carter gives Lorenzo a 50/50 #Pistons pic.twitter.com/VNhKbx0cFd
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
COOL HAND LUKE!!!!!! game-tying three. Oh baby!
— Braden Shackelford (@Shack_attack03) July 6, 2017
Via Justin Jett (Luke Kennard’s game-tying three):
Luke Kennard 👀 #Pistons pic.twitter.com/BaTxbVDfG5
— Justin Jett (@JustinJett_) July 6, 2017
Final Thoughts:
Pierre Jackson was reliable once again. He’s good. Really good. In fact, he was by far the Pistons’ best player today.
Kennard got off to a really nice start, while Ellenson was stymied. The officials let the players be physical, and Dallas was particularly physical with Ellenson.
It was a tough day for Ellenson, and an even tougher day for summer league officials, but the Pistons know what they have in Ellenson and today’s performance mattered little.
Credit Kennard for finding ways to be impactful in every single game he played in, even if his shot wasn’t falling. It was an impressive showing overall for the rookie.
Key Contributors:
Luke Kennard: 24 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist.
Lorenzo Brown: 2 highlight reel dunks.
Pierre Jackson: 22 points, 8 assists, 1 steal.