The Detroit Pistons (4-9) weren’t able to take care of business on the road, losing to the Charlotte Hornets (5-7) 109-106.
Detroit opened up the game by going 5 for 11 from the three-point line in the first quarter. The Pistons led the Hornets at half time 65-51 and were led by Derrick Rose (11 points) and Langston Galloway (15 points) to end the half. Drummond picked up two fouls in the first quarter but was able to finish the half with just two fouls.
Tony Snell started in the first half but only played nine minutes and was unable to return to the game in the second half due to a left hip flexor strain injury. Langston Galloway started the third quarter in his place.
The Hornets came alive in the third quarter, taking a 14 point deficit and erasing it entirely with a three-point shot from Cody Zeller to tie the game 83-83 to end the third quarter.
The Hornets took the lead 89-88 with 9:13 left in the fourth quarter off a Malik Monk layup. Drummond took a shot to the leg from Cody Zeller’s knee and came away limping after the play, but played through it. The Pistons, after leading by 14 at the half, were down by as many as eight points in the fourth quarter. After a pair of three’s from Galloway and Rose, the Pistons were able to tie the game 103-103 with 2:22 left to play in the game. Langston hit another three with 50 seconds left to give the Pistons a 106-103 lead. Marvin Williams then hit another three to tie the game with 22 seconds left. Derrick Rose turned the ball over with one second left, which was enough time for Malik Monk to hit the game-winning three.
The Pistons were led by Langston Galloway, who finished tonight with a career-high 32 points on 7-11 shooting from the three-point line. Tonight was Langston’s 8th consecutive game scoring 10+ points, which is a personal best for him. Andre Drummond finished with another double-double, scoring 16 points to go along with 20 rebounds.
Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin returned to action in tonight’s defeat after sitting out the second half of a back-to-back earlier this week. Rose finished tonight’s game with 16 points. Blake finished tonight with 19 points and six assists. Both at times looked rejuvenated but also had moments of looking rusty coming off injuries that kept them both on the shelf for an extended period of time.
Luke Kennard cooled off, scoring only five points on 2-5 shooting from the floor. Luke will need to be more aggressive if the Pistons hope to take the next step offensively. As he continues to mature, he’ll understand that more. He still has a bright future.
For Charlotte, off-season acquisition Terry Rozier and third-year guard Malik Monk led the charge with 19 points each to help the Hornets snap a four-game losing streak. Devonte’ Graham also contributed with 18 points to go along with five rebounds and 10 assists.
Detroit doesn’t have another game until Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls on the road. The Pistons will enjoy much-needed rest until then.
