Detroit Pistons give ‘team’ effort in second straight win
By Kevin Moore
Just days after defeating the Houston Rockets, the Detroit Pistons come back and take care of the Phoenix Suns with a double digit victory, 118-107.
It was a team effort in tonight’s victory for the Detroit Pistons.
Though LCA did not have nearly as many fans today as on Friday, that did not stop the boys from the Motor City.
Every player that stepped onto the court for the Pistons scored in some type of way.
The bench really stepped up for Dwayne Casey contributing a total of 47 points with Stanley Johnson pitching in with 14 points and Langston Galloway with 15 points.
Hot. Pistons need to trade for Bradley Beal. light
The game started off with both teams going back in forth. In the game preview, Devin Booker was mentioned as the Suns go to scorer and the Pistons needed a way to keep him from scoring.
Well, Booker felt good today in his home state as he got off to a hot start. Booker scored eight of the team’s first 12 points and he had 17 points at the end of the first going 7-for-8 from the field.
Despite the hot start from Booker, Detroit Pistons found a way to stay in the ball game and not let Phoenix break away with the lead.
Things started to go in favor of Detroit in the second quarter when Suns guard T.J. Warren was ejected from the game after receiving two technical foul calls.
Detroit held their own in the second quarter until the Suns went on a 11-3 run late in the quarter sparked by two big three’s from NBA veteran Jamal Crawford.
Detroit had a 62-60 lead at half with the Suns shooting 50 percent from the field and Detroit shooting 49 percent.
The game really became intense in the fourth quarter. Devin Booker, who had an exceptional first half and scoring the first seven points in the third quarter, was held scoreless until the fourth quarter.
Stanley Johnson gave Booker a tough time when he was guarding him late in the game.
On offense, Detroit capitalized on Phoenix’s struggles in the fourth quarter. The Pistons used a 15-3 run to help extend the lead and breakaway from Phoenix. That run was sparked by Galloway and Johnson who hit timely three’s to ignite Detroit’s offense.
Andre Drummond had another double double…surprise, surprise. It’s almost becoming the norm for Drummond as he continues to be consistent throughout the season. He finished with 19 points and 16 rebounds.
Once again, Detroit had four starters score in double figures. The Reggie duo combined with 32 points (Jackson with 19 points and Bullock with 13).
Blake Griffin, who had a big game against the Rockets had a slow start in today’s contest, but turned that around in the fourth quarter. Griffin made three straight buckets with two of them being from three late in the fourth as he finished with 16 points and 11 assists.
The Suns showed some fight at the end of the game as Booker hit two three’s to cut into the lead but it was not enough for the Suns. Booker finished with 37 points and Crawford had a big game off the bench as he had 12 points and he also surpassed 19,000 points for his career.
This win for Detroit showed the team’s fight and resilience. When this team is firing on all cylinders from the offensive and defensive side, teams need to watch out.
Next. Pistons have big test ahead in month of December. dark
Detroit is starting to show the NBA why they deserve to be a team in the East to look out for.