Pistons overcome 15-point deficit, beat Thunder 99-98

It wasn’t pretty, that’s for sure. But the Detroit Pistons (12-6) defeated the Oklahoma City (8-10) Thunder 99-98 on Friday night. In a game that went down to the wire, six Pistons scored in double figures. Detroit has now won seven games after trailing by 10 or more points.

Once again, the Detroit Pistons appeared to be on the verge of a double-digit loss.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were gradually pulling away. A Paul George layup with 9:51 left in the 3rd quarter gave Oklahoma City a 64-49 lead.

But once again, the Pistons clawed their way back.

Detroit outlasted the Thunder 99-98 on Friday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Andre Drummond led the Pistons with 17 points (8 for 14 shooting), 14 rebounds and three assists. But it was a total team effort (in every sense of the word) that made the difference.

Six Pistons scored in double figures, including backup point guard Ish Smith, who tallied 15 points in 22 minutes. His running layup with 10:43 remaining gave the Pistons an 81-79 lead – their first of the night.

Oklahoma City was led by Russell Westbrook, who posted a triple double. The reigning Most Valuable Player finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Yet it wouldn’t be enough. With 2.7 seconds left, Westbrook missed a game-winning triple from the left wing.

The ball bounced off the rim and landed into the hands of Anthony Tolliver, who protected his rebound as time expired.

A little anti-climactic? You bet. However, it seemed fitting, given that the Thunder went 8 for 32 from beyond the arc. Detroit took advantage by grabbing 35 defensive rebounds.

The Pistons are now 6-1 against the Western Conference, and have won seven games where they trailed by 10 points or more. Their short two game road trip concludes this Monday, when they visit the 17-3 Boston Celtics.