Pistons Avenge Loss with Victory Over Spurs

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 30: Luke Kennard
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 30: Luke Kennard /
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Led by career-highs from Reggie Bullock and Luke Kennard, the Detroit Pistons notch their 20th win by defeating the San Antonio Spurs.

Following their matchup against the Orlando Magic on Thursday, the Detroit Pistons went into their final game of the year without three of the starters that they began the season with.

Reggie Jackson (ankle), Avery Bradley (groin), Stanley Johnson (hip), and Jon Leuer (ankle) were all ruled out prior to Saturday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs. This paved the way for players who don’t normally see consistent game action such as Dwight Buycks and Boban Marjanovic to see extended minutes.

The Pistons jumped out to a 24-13 lead in the first quarter led by Reggie Bullock, who ended the game scoring a career-high 22 points on nine for fourteen shooting – including four of seven from beyond the arc.

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However, the hot shooting didn’t last long in the first half. The Pistons had a drought to end the half which allowed the Spurs to close in on them during the second and third quarters.

The Spurs were ultimately staved off by the Pistons behind hot shooting from rookie guard, Luke Kennard, who scored 20 points on seven for twelve shooting with four threes tonight.

Spurs stars, Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, made a combined ten baskets as they were shut down by the likes of Bullock and Anthony Tolliver, respectively. Leonard didn’t score his first points until halfway through the second quarter.

Stan Van Gundy opted for Marjanovic over Eric Moreland as the first big off the bench against Marjanovic’s former team. He scored two points in four minutes of play.

Former Michigan State guard and Lansing-native, Bryn Forbes led the Spurs bench unit by playing 24 minutes and scoring ten points tonight.

Stanley Johnson and Avery Bradley will be game-time decisions for their next game.

The Detroit Pistons travel to South Beach to play the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.