Detroit Pistons stung by Hornets 113-103 in second-half collapse
A highly competitive game turned into a blowout during the fourth quarter. The Charlotte Hornets began the period on an 8-0 run, then coasted to a 113-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Even Reggie Bullock‘s return to form couldn’t save the Detroit Pistons (6-6), who collapsed at the hands of Charlotte Hornets (7-6) 113-103 on Sunday afternoon at Little Caesars Arena. Andre Drummond led Detroit with 23 points and 22 rebounds.
Bullock (who scored a team-high 23 points) found his 3-point stroke, going 6-for-9 from beyond the arc. But for a good part of the second half, he was the Pistons’ only option offensively.
Detroit went cold, and the Hornets began the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run. Miles Bridges’ baseline dunk gave Charlotte a 91-75 lead with 10:10 remaining in the game.
The deficit swelled to 21 after Blake Griffin committed a flagrant-2 foul on Malik Monk. Griffin (10 points, six rebounds) was quickly ejected, and also received a technical foul on his way to the locker room.
Kemba Walker and Tony Parker each scored 24 points, and squashed several attempts for a Detroit comeback. Both did their damage off the dribble. Once again, the Pistons failed contain the opponent’s constant penetration.
The game featured 21 lead changes, with many of those coming in the first half. Detroit held a 27-24 lead at the end of the first quarter. But Charlotte would respond and grab a 51-49 edge by halftime. The Pistons also missed seven of their last eight field-goal attempts before the break.
Charlotte would use a 7-0 to run at the start of the third quarter to distance itself from Detroit. A Willy Hernangomez triple at the 4:07 mark of the period gave them a 77-62 lead – their largest up to that point.
Yet the Pistons managed to get back within single digits, 83-75, when the third came to a close.
As a team, Detroit went 12-for-45 from long-range. Many of their misses led to long rebounds for the Hornets, who gladly took advantage in transition.
Next. How will the rotations change once Kennard returns?. dark
The Pistons are idle until Wednesday, when they head north of the border to visit the Toronto Raptors. Tipoff for that game is set for 7:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Detroit.