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Detroit Pistons vs. San Antonio Spurs 2019-20 season preview

By Richard Davisson

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 7: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to drive the ball as Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons defends during the second quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on January 7, 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 Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 7: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to drive the ball as Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons defends during the second quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on January 7, 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 Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons Blake Griffin defends San Antonio Spurs LaMarcus Aldridge (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

After adding key rotation pieces this offseason, can the Detroit Pistons beat a retooled San Antonio Spurs team that swept them a season ago?

The Detroit Pistons have struggled against the San Antonio Spurs in recent years. Since the 2015-16 season, the Pistons have lost seven times, prevailing only once. Last year’s season series did not fall in the Pistons favor last year as they dropped both games by at least 10 points.

The January matchup occurred while Ish Smith recovered from injury. The Pistons jumped out to an early lead with the starters until the subs entered and turned an eight-point lead into a nine-point deficit in just under nine minutes. The Pistons were unable to narrow the lead much beyond that for the rest of the game, squandering a 34-point, 8-assist game from Blake Griffin. Additionally, Andre Drummond scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, but the Pistons were still unable to overcome the Spurs’ efficient performance.

Related Story. One thing to be worried about from each Western Conference team. light

LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan led the way for the spurs with 25 and 26 points, respectively, on incredibly efficient shooting inside the arc. The Pistons on the other hand attempted 32 three’s, but only made 28.1 percent of them. Reggie Bullock was especially off making only 3-of-12 from deep. The Pistons were unable to recover, losing 119-107.

In the February matchup, Wayne Ellington replaced the then-traded Bullock in the starting lineup. Nevertheless, the Pistons shot a putrid 36 percent from the field while the Spurs made 51.9 percent of their baskets.

Aldridge led the Spurs with 24 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor while DeRozan put together a complete game, recording 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Detroit’s poor shooting coupled with San Antonio’s consistent play led them to a 105-93 loss.

The Spurs have had the Pistons number for a while, but perhaps an offseason of roster changes can turn the tables on this matchup. Let’s take a peek at what the Spurs did this offseason.

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