Rapid reaction: Indiana Pacers 112 Detroit Pistons 106
Despite an electric start to the game, the Detroit Pistons suffered defensive struggles through the second and third quarters and fell to the Indiana Pacers 112-106.
The Detroit Pistons jumped out to a hot start against the Indiana Pacers, with the offense firing on all cylinders and ball movement picking up where it left off against the Knicks the other night. However, due to some foul trouble suffered by Andre Drummond, the Pistons struggled to maintain the lead without Drummond on either end of the floor.
Through just ten games, the Pistons have already played the Pacers three times. This has given both team quite a good look at one another, and tonight Indiana was finally able to best Detroit at home. The Pistons are the first team in the NBA to play ten games this season, and at times the fatigue is evident.
Despite only shooting 26 percent from three-point range, the Pacers did a good job of controlling the flow of the game for the second and third quarters, and overwhelmed Detroit’s defense. The Pacers had seven players score in double figures tonight, but only assisted on 53 percent of their made field goals. Detroit just couldn’t defend.
106 . 64. 112. 100. Final
Players of the game
For Indiana – Domantas Sabonis. This is Sabonis’s third time receiving the highly coveted award this season. He once again proved that he’s capable of making your favorite player look average, and tonight he scored 17 points while grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists.
For Detroit – Luke Kennard. In one of the few bright spots of the final three quarters of the game, Kennard continued his domination over the Pacers’ defense tonight. After scoring 14 points in the first quarter, he finished with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 50 percent shooting.
Key moment
After Drummond picked up his third foul near the end of the first half, the Pacers took advantage. They were able to pick apart Detroit’s defense, and between the end of the second quarter and beginning of the third, they jumped out to a 27-4 run that Detroit could never recover from.
Nick’s notes
As I mention in the video above, Drummond’s inadvertent habit of committing unnecessary fouls causes the Pistons to find themselves in compromising situations. There is a real life scenario where he can find himself in the MVP conversation, however in order for that to happen he actually has to be on the floor.
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He can average 20 points and 20 rebounds per game if he’s playing the minutes he needs to be playing. Detroit has had frequent trouble specifically on defense maintaining any lead without him. The offense seems to work itself out as long as Christian Wood is on the floor.
Kennard’s ability to consistently out-play defenses on pick and rolls is marvelous. Dread it, run from it, Kennard’s 30-foot jump shot arrives all the same.
The Pistons have shown glimpses of greatness, despite their injuries. When their ball movement on offense is at its peak (as it was against the Knicks when they assisted on 84 percent of their baskets) it resembles the Golden State Warriors of the last few seasons. It’s that good.
Next. Has Bruce Brown been playing the wrong position?. dark
Detroit’s defense will likely remain an issue until Derrick Rose, Reggie Jackson and Blake Griffin return. Until then, a record of 4-6 with a banged up roster isn’t so bad.