Three takeaways: Detroit Pistons vs. Brooklyn Nets

Griffin, Jackson begin building chemistry with team

The Detroit Pistons played their first two preseason games without Blake Griffin and Reggie Jackson. Last night, they both played.

Griffin finished the night with 21 minutes. Jackson finished the night with 16 minutes. It’s clear that the coaching staff doesn’t want either of them to over-do it in games that don’t count.

I was a big fan of the way that Griffin played last night. Right off the bat, he was showing his ability create on his own offensively.

Griffin hit a three-pointer to start the game that he walked in to. It’s a shot he’s worked on getting better at over the past few seasons.

He also was helping his teammates get good looks. In the first half, he had his back to the basket with the ball in his hands and set up a cutting Reggie Bullock with an easy bucket at the rim.

Griffin scored 17 points and had nine rebounds.

Jackson was very much playing low-risk basketball last night. I can’t say I blame him. His team will need him for the long haul so there’s no reason to criticize him for easing his way into things.

His performance was to be expected. There was some rust. In the first quarter, he turned the ball over after losing the handle on the ball and you could see the frustration on his face.

He did settle in. Later in the game, Jackson penetrated off a pick and took advantage of a collapsing defense by the Nets. He kicked it out to Galloway who knocked down a wide open three-point shot.

He flourishes in those situations. Jackson scored just six points in his time on the floor.