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Detroit Pistons escape nail-biting victory in overtime versus Raptors

By Martin Mansour

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 17: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons while playing the Brooklyn Nets during the home opener at Little Caesars Arena on October 17, 2018 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, MI - OCTOBER 17: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons while playing the Brooklyn Nets during the home opener at Little Caesars Arena on October 17, 2018 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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The Detroit Pistons on their home floor, escape with a nail-biting overtime victory over Kyle Lowry and The Toronto Raptors 112-107.

The Detroit Pistons came into tonight’s game energized and looking for a win after a dominating victory Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They looked to get back to the .500 mark and make a push for the 6th seed.

The Toronto Raptors on the other hand, were without their superstar forward Kawhi Leonard; who was out due to “load management.” They were looking to get a revenge win against the Pistons after losing earlier this season due to a Reggie Bullock game winner.

The first quarter started the way the Pistons have usually started first quarters recently. They were making shots and playing solid defense. Reggie Jackson and Blake Griffin were wearing down the Raptors.

Detroit Pistons take on Kawhi-less Toronto Raptors. light. Related Story

But things would turn sideways a bit when Andre Drummond picked up two early fouls which forced him to sit the 6 minutes in the first quarter. Still though the Pistons would maintain the lead to end the quarter.

Pascal Siakam kept the Raptors in the game throughout the first quarter. He scored 8 points in the first quarter.

The second quarter started in the Pistons favor as well. Luke Kennard, who has been on fire and scoring his points in bunches; made three 3-point shots in the first three minutes of the quarter.

Drummond started the quarter for the Pistons; but picking up an offensive foul with 6 minutes left in the quarter forced him to sit again.

Still though even with Kennard’s hot shooting, OG Anunoby would keep the Raptors in the game. Kyle Lowry was contained for the most part of the half and was only allowed 10 points.

Raptors were continuing to exploit The Detroit Pistons when Drummond sat on the bench.

The Pistons had 3 point lead going into halftime.

Second Half

The game plan going into the second half was probably to keep Drummond out of foul trouble. So the Pistons started the quarter and 15 seconds in; Drummond gets called for an offensive foul. Forced him to sit again for almost the entirety of the quarter.

A back and forth quarter, Kyle Lowry would start to heat up. The Raptors would take their first lead of the game with 8 minutes in the 3rd quarter. They would go up as many as 11 with 2 minutes to go in the quarter.

Zaza Pachulia would get ejected from the game after getting back to back technical foul calls after being hacked on a no-call.

Still though this would not detour the Pistons. Andre Drummond would be forced to come back in the game and play without fouling. The Pistons cut the lead down to 5 to end the quarter.

To the fourth Luke Kennard would score a quick 5 points to bring the score tied. Glenn Robinson III would check in the game and also contribute four quick points.

As the game went on and on Kyle Lowry would continue to heat up. The Raptors desperately wanted to win this game.

But the Pistons did not back down; and neither did Drummond. He would play excellent defense with 5 fouls.

Just as the Pistons thought they could take a deep breath up 5 points with 2 minutes to go; Lowry turns on the gas and helps the Raptors tie up the game at 98.

Reggie Jackson would go the other way and untie it at 98 to 100. But an offensive rebound tip layup by OG Anunoby would save the Raptors and force overtime.

Overtime

Kyle Lowry continued his onslaught and would torch the Pistons in overtime. He scored the first 7 points for Toronto to make the score 107 to 102.

The Pistons felt almost hopeless at this time. But the never quit attitude showed for the Pistons. Reggie Jackson would hit a clutch corner 3 to tie the game at 107. The Pistons would go on a 10 to 0 run after going down 5. Drummond and Kennard hit clutch free throws to ice the game.

Andre Drummond came up huge in this game. His impact was heavily seen when he was on the floor.

Luke Kennard continued his hot shooting. He had 19 points and 5 assists on 6-10 shooting.

Reggie Jackson and Blake Griffin combined for 46 points on 17 for 35 shooting.

Kyle Lowry scored 25 of his 35 points in the second half. He shot 11 of 24 from the floor.

Pascal Siakam scored 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Next. Detroit Pistons peaking at perfect time. dark

Marc Gasol had a poor shooting night; shooting 2 for 10 from the floor and fouling out.

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