3 takeaways from the Detroit Pistons 125-115 loss to the Brooklyn Nets
The battle of the bigs
Coming into the game one of the match ups to keep an eye on was Drummond versus Jarrett Allen. Two of the league’s best rim protectors and two relatively traditional centers. They were banging down low from the second the ball tipped.
It was a 48 minute battle in the paint, an area where the Nets notoriously thrive, and where the Pistons notoriously struggle to defend. They met each other at the rim multiple times, each throwing down some explosive dunks.
Early on the Pistons were frequently utilizing Drummond as a ball handler in a half court setting, which is by no means optimal. They eventually shifted to their usual pick and roll and post up options which was better suited for what Brooklyn was throwing at them.
Related Story. Could Drummond take a discount to stay with the Pistons?. light
Drummond opened the game strong and by the second quarter had already recorded a double-double.
After opening the game shooting 50 percent from the field, Allen made his presence known and forced Drummond to miss his next seven shots spanning the final two quarters. Allen is arguably the NBA’s top shot blocker, and tonight that was on full display.
Allen did a tremendous job of disrupting not just Drummond’s – but the entire Pistons offensive cohesion. Despite Detroit scoring 68 points in the first half, a majority of those made baskets came in infrequent possessions, rather than a proper run.