The Detroit Pistons (6-13) lost another nail-biter tonight at home against the Charlotte Hornets (8-12) 110-107. The Pistons had a chance late in the fourth quarter to tie the game and send the game into overtime, but a pair of missed shots from Luke Kennard and Langston Galloway prevented the Pistons to extend the game. The late turnovers caused by the Pistons played a key role in tonight’s defeat.
The Pistons did not take their first lead of the game until the 8:02 mark in the second quarter after Pistons forward Tony Snell hit a three-point shot to give the Pistons a 47-46 lead. The Hornets were able to take the lead back and went into the half with a 62-57 lead. Pistons forward Blake Griffin had a quiet first half, scoring only six points on 2-of-6 shooting from the floor. Pistons guard Luke Kennard led the Pistons in scoring with 14 points at the half, including four three-pointers. For the Hornets, it was Terry Rozier who led his team in scoring with 17 points at the half. The Hornets shot the ball well from deep, making 11-of-19 from behind the arch in the first half.
The second half was close as well, with the game being tied 85-85 to end the third quarter. The Pistons were able to make a run in the fourth quarter to give themselves an eight-point lead, their biggest lead of the night, with 5:25 left in the game. The Hornets then responded with a 15-4 run to ice the Pistons at home. The Hornets extended their win streak against the Pistons to nine with tonight’s defeat, and are 3-0 against the Pistons this season.
Pistons guard Derrick Rose led Detroit in scoring with 23 points while adding four assists. Luke Kennard was right behind him, finishing tonight’s tough loss with 21 points and four assists of his own. Pistons center Andre Drummond finished tonight’s game with 15 points, 19 rebounds, and a pair of blocks. Andre Drummond committed four fouls in the second half after committing none in the first half. Drummond will need to cut down on his fouls if Detroit wants to start winning games more consistently. Griffin finished tonight’s game with 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
For Charlotte, rookie PJ Washington led all scorers tonight with 26 points. He was also able to contribute on the defensive end by adding four steals to cap off a pretty good night for the rookie out of Kentucky. Hornets guard Terry Rozier finished tonight’s game with 23 points. Hornets guard Devonte’ Graham played well as well, scoring 16 points to go along with eight assists and a pair of blocked shots. The Pistons starting backcourt (Galloway, Brown) was outscored by the Hornets starting backcourt (Rozier, Graham) 49-8.
The Pistons will have tomorrow off before facing the San Antonio Spurs this Sunday at 5 PM in a home game against a team that finds themselves in unfamiliar territory. If the Pistons want to get back on track, Sunday’s game will be key as both teams have struggled so far this season.
