Pistons get trampled by the Mavericks, fall 110-93

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 20: Wesley Matthews
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 20: Wesley Matthews /
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Thanks in part to a 43-point second quarter, the Dallas Mavericks (9-23) rolled passed the Detroit Pistons (17-14) 110-93 on Monday night. Harrison Barnes led all scorers with 25 points on 8 for 15 shooting. With the loss, Detroit falls to 3-8 in the month of December.

The Detroit Pistons’ recent surge came to a screeching halt on Wednesday night. All the good feelings of a three-game winning streak quickly faded, as the Dallas Mavericks upended the Pistons 110-93 at the American Airlines Center.

Every single Maverick scored in the laugher, including Harrison Barnes, who finished with a game-high 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists.

Anthony Tolliver led the way for Detroit with 18 points on 5 for 7 shooting. But he struggled to contain Barnes, who sliced his way through the Pistons’ defense early and often. Still, Detroit was able to finish the first quarter clinging to a 25-22 advantage.

It was all downhill from there.

The Mavericks amassed 43 points in the second quarter. Detroit and Dallas exchanged leads until the closing minutes of the half. A Wesley Matthews driving layup with 2:45 remaining put the Mavericks in front 50-49. They would never relinquish the lead.

A combination of spacing and ball movement helped Dallas enter the half up 69-53. The Pistons failed to rotate on switches and couldn’t defend without fouling. Andre Drummond and Eric Moreland each picked up three fouls in the first 24 minutes.

Another second half collapse

Detroit started the third quarter on a 5-0 run. Drummond opened the scoring with a put back and an alley-oop jam. Tobias Harris‘ technical free throw at the 9:56 mark trimmed the Mavericks’ lead to seven.

And that’s when the wheels officially fell off.

Drummond picked up his 4th foul on a moving screen with 7:02 to play in the third. With the Pistons’ rim protector subjected to the sideline, the Mavericks went for the kill.

Dallas finished the quarter on a 24-8 run. Detroit’s offense became stagnant, and they resorted to heaving up any shot they could find. The Mavericks comfortably brought an 89-66 lead into the fourth period.

This time, there would be no comeback for the Pistons. They stumbled around the final 12 minutes, while Dallas continued to attack the basket.

The good news? It’s only a single loss. But Detroit’s lack of focus was troubling. You can be sure that Stan Van Gundy will continue to adjust the rotation.

The Pistons are idle until Friday night when the New York Knicks come to town. Tip-off is slated for 7:00pm on Fox Sports Detroit.