Detroit Pistons player grades in 119-110 win over Indiana Pacers

Which players passed the Piston Powered report card following the Detroit Pistons 119-110 win over the Indiana Pacers?

In a 119-110 victory against the Indiana Pacers on opening night, there were many standout performers for the Detroit Pistons.

Andre Drummond, Derrick Rose, and Luke Kennard all took a step up in Blake Griffin‘s absence and really carried the Pistons to an upset victory according to the 7.5-point spread in favor of the Pacers according to the Action Network. I know its only one game and of course we’re all over reacting but the Pistons faithful, including myself, were ecstatic after this victory and are very excited for the remaining 81 games this season. Let’s get into last night’s grades.

Let’s jump in.

Point Guards

Reggie Jackson: B-

It was a really bad time for Jackson to have a bad game as Rose had an absolute gem of a game, and people on Twitter are already calling for Jackson to be benched or traded.

He had one of those games he has every once in a while where it seemed like he was a ghost. In his limited 20 minutes Jackson scored only five points on 2-of-3 shooting including 1-2 from 3-point range. His five assists were second best on the team, and was one of the only impactful things he did tonight.

As PistonPowered’s Aaron Kellertrass pointed out in our group chat, Jackson’s seemingly careless attitude and lackadaisical play style killed the Pistons’ pace that they were playing at when Rose was running the show. I personally think that Reggie is better than he showed tonight, and it was really unfortunate to have a stinker of a game on the first game and when his backup and his team are playing better without him.

Derrick Rose: A

With 1:09 left in the first quarter, Aaron Holiday tripped Rose and Pistons fans around the world held their breath as Rose’s to common grimace made an appearance as he slowly got to his feet. Other than that scary moment, it was all up for Rose and the Pistons.

Rose captivated everyone’s attention with one of the best debut halves of a Piston in recent memory with a 5-5 from the field and 15 points at the half. Malcolm Brogdon – a great defender – was put in the spin cycle by Rose with a flashy layup.

With 18 points and nine assists Rose had a stellar debut and made me forget all about Griffin’s absence. I was semi-joking when I predicted Rose to win the Sixth Man of the Year award but he really could be in the conversation the way he commanded the second unit.

Watching Rose attack the rim like he wanted to hurt it every time and bringing 100% energy every second he was on the floor, the Pistons needed another bench scorer and an upgrade to Ish Smith, and Rose is both of those.

Tim Frasier: C

C’s are average and Frazier only played a minute and missed his only shot, quickly being replaced by Rose.