Detroit Pistons defeat the Sacramento Kings, 108-99

On the tail end of a back to back, the Detroit Pistons overcome the visiting Sacramento Kings, 108-99.

The Detroit Pistons had to work for a win Saturday night.

Facing a 1-7 Sacramento Kings, expectations were for Detroit to blow out the visitors as the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, and Washington Wizards had.

More from PistonPowered

• Which Detroit Pistons could save Team USA in the Olympics?
• Detroit Pistons could have major roster churn after 2023-24 season
• The best Detroit Pistons to wear each uniform number
• Full Detroit Pistons NBA 2K24 ratings
• Detroit Pistons: Who will sign the remaining NBA free agents?

At the start, it appeared it would be that way with Detroit surging on top, 10-0.

Then, the Sacramento Kings took an early timeout and fought their way back into the game. By halftime, Detroit led by a mere three, 52-49.

Fortunately, the Pistons turned it by the end of the third quarter and took care of business from there.

Again for Detroit, the starters were solid and the bench was energized.

Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley led the team in scoring with 20 point and 24 point performances followed by Andre Drummond with 16, Reggie Jackson with 15, and Stanley Johnson with 8.

Jackson also dished out seven assists while Stanley Johnson showcased another strong defensive performance after guarding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Andre Drummond picked up from where he left off Friday night and dominated the paint on both ends of the floor. Drummond grabbed 19 boards and protected the paint with 3 steals and a block.

Since Joel Embiid‘s comments criticizing Drummond’s defensive game, the big man from Detroit has turned it up a notch and proven he can be a defensive asset for a defensive-minded Stan Van Gundy.

As for the bench, Ish Smith led the charge with 10 points and a couple assists matched by Anthony Tolliver‘s 10 points. So far, two alone have proven to be effective leaders and sparks off the bench.

Luke Kennard returned to game play after missing the past few and scored two points with two assists.

Others off the bench for the Pistons included Reggie Bullock who logged 20 minutes on the floorr followed by Eric Moreland with 9 and Langston Galloway with 7.

It was not Detroit’s best performance of the season, but good enough to claw through and overcome the Kings.

Next: Is Anthony Tolliver the key to the Pistons’ defense?

Next game for the Pistons is Wednesday at home against division rivals, Indiana Pacers.