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Detroit Pistons: Turnovers Doom Pistons in Loss to Utah Jazz

By Joye Pruitt

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives around Bruce Brown #6 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives around Bruce Brown #6 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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After a 31-13 start, the Detroit Pistons fall to the Utah Jazz as 14 turnovers in the second half are too much to overcome.

The Detroit Pistons left a win on the table as Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz walked out of LCA knocking off the second opponent of their back-to-back. It could have been the spider himself that did the Detroit Pistons in. After a rough start, Mitchell hit a late jumper that topped off his 26 points on 10-of-21 shooting from the field. Blake Griffin hit a late three with a bit under 16 seconds left in the game to bring the Pistons within one.

Yet, after an intentional foul from Reggie Jackson on Ricky Rubio, a pass from Jackson to Reggie Bullock resulted to a turnover and another trip to the line for the Utah Jazz. It was poetic that the last valuable possession for the Detroit Pistons was a turnover. After four turnovers in the first half, the Detroit Pistons put up 14 turnovers in the second, which was a key characteristic in their 105-110 loss to the Utah Jazz Saturday night.

By the end of the first quarter, Bullock had outscored the Utah Jazz on his own, as he tallied 14 points in the first 12 minutes of the game on 5-of-6 shooting. The Detroit Pistons scored 31 points in the first quarter, holding the Jazz to 13 points. The Utah Jazz mounted an inspiring comeback early in the second quarter, but were affected by the loss of Dante Exum (left knee sprain) and Thabo Sefolosha (right hamstring injury) by the second half.

The two players were key components in Utah’s ability to fight their way back into the game. Mitchell struggled mightily in the first half of the game, hitting on 1-of-4 from the floor, all of which were in the first quarter. Mitchell scored 24 of his points in the second half and the Pistons were quieted as fans scratched their heads.

If the Detroit Pistons are able to shoot 44 percent from beyond the three-point line, the assumption is that they would walk away with win. Up 18 points by the second quarter, the Pistons’ bench was outscored by the Jazz 13-28 and allowed Utah back into the contest.

A hard screen from Griffin gifted Luke Kennard his first and only field goal of the night as he finished shooting 1-of-5 from the floor, two rebounds and a steal. Stanley Johnson was offensively ineffective hitting 20 percent of his shots and adding two turnovers.

Bruce Brown shot 42.9 percent from the field and had a solid defensive game against Mitchell. He was a brighter spot of the game for the Detroit Pistons, as he continues to develop into a vital play-maker even against more experienced and athletic guards in the league. Moving forward, the Detroit Pistons should trust him more with the ball in his hands.

Even with two turnovers Saturday night, Brown showed the ability to make the best basketball decision and give the Pistons’ offense the best pace.

Rudy Gobert was in foul trouble early and only scored nine points, but he operated as a lethal pick-and-roller for Mitchell that produced most of Donovan’s late-game opportunities. Andre Drummond, on the other hand, had a fiery start with 10 boards in the first quarter. But, he wasn’t able to keep up that same rate of effectiveness on the boards, only grabbing eight in the next three quarters.

Drummond hit 70 percent of his shots and found himself in the right places on the floor to contribute to the Pistons’ offense. He was aggressive throughout the game, but a 25 percent free throw percentage will sour his performance.

Bullock was the star of the show. He was Kyle Korver-esque in his ability to be ready at the drop of a dime. It was his hot start that gave the Detroit Pistons the early lead and he hit a couple of clutch three-pointers down the stretch to keep things interesting, even as the game slipped away.

Bullock ended the night with 19 points and could have used a few more opportunities on the floor. Coach Dwane Casey seemed to stray from the hot hand and that was another reason the Pistons found themselves on the losing side of things.

The Detroit Pistons had the game won in the first quarter. At least that’s how the team played. They were unable to keep the energy up and protect their possessions.

And here we are.

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