The Pistons were seeking a winning record for the first time since the start of the season, but the Miami Heat played spoiler at The Palace.
What Happened:
Through two quarters, the game was competitive. At the half, the Pistons were within striking distance, down 59-53. However, the Heat exploded in the third, outscoring the Pistons 32-17 and never looked back.
What Stood Out:
Through the first half, a starting lack of defense by both teams. While that trend continued for the Pistons to close the game (they allowed 110 points on nearly 56-percent shooting), the Heat's defense smothered the Pistons in the second half. The Heat frustrated the Pistons all over the court. Greg Monroe, who has typically thrived against the Heat, was held to 10 points on 3-for-10 shooting. Brandon Jennings put up a respectable stat line, except for the six turnovers the Heat forced him into. Josh Smith was contained as mostly a jumpshooter, partly of his own volition, but largely due to the Heat's strategy of sagging off and inviting him to take jumpers.
It's odd to say this, but the Pistons sorely miss Rodney Stuckey, whose ability to get to the basket and get to the free throw line have have been vital to the Pistons' surprising offensive success. Without Stuckey, the Pistons offense simply looks incomplete.
Who Stood Out:
Andre Drummond is a beast, and he continued feasting on the Miami Heat. 19 points, 14 boards, two steals, two blocks. You know, the usual. By my light, there's no way he shouldn't be the starting center for the East in the All Star game.
Jonas Jerebko, Charlie Villanueva, and Peyton Siva gave the Pistons competent production off the bench. Jonas in particular seems to be rounding into form, and 20 minutes of burn seems like the right amount. I hope that trend continues.
On Miami's side of the ball, well, they did pretty much whatever they wanted. LeBron James was LeBron James. Five Heat players scored in double digits, including Roger Mason Jr., who apparently still plays in the NBA. The Pistons simply lost him over and over again, allowing him six three point attempts, of which he converted four.
Game Bullets:
Kyle Singler scored 10 points on four shots, but he only got twenty minutes of playing time. I don't understand that.
Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith once again led the team in shot attempts, each shooting 6-for-14, each shooting one for four from deep. Jennings redeemed himself a bit by getting to the line and converting six of his seven attempts, and by dishing out six assists. But Josh Smith's was as empty as it's been all season.
Ray Allen is arguably the best shooter in NBA history, so naturally the Pistons left him open pretty much all night. 18 points on ten shots.
Did I mention Roger Mason still plays in the NBA and that he went four for six from deep?
The Pistons outrebounded the Heat by 10, 44-34.
Everyone who dressed for this game played, except Joel Anthony. Sad trombone.
Roll Call:
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Joe Cool99
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Kellen Moore Our Savior?
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