There is nothing like starting a game with a 21 to 4 lead…except for maybe the Pistons. After bursting out of the gate to start the game Detroit slowly and methodically blew any chance they were going to have to win the game. The first quarter was just about all that Pistons fans had to cheer about in the 101-94 loss, besides the outstanding play of Jason Maxiell.
Key Points:
- How can anyone argue right now that Jason Maxiell should lose minutes on the floor? Maxiell tied a career high with six blocked shots, all of them which came in the first half. He finished the game with 18 points, grabbing six boards and a steal in 32 minutes. If you actually watch the highlight of this game, you’ll see a lot of Max.
- Highlights via NBA.com
[flashvideo file=http://nba.cdn.turner.com/nba/big/games/pistons/2012/12/11/000021200306-den-det-recap.nba_nba_576x324.flv /]
- Kyle Singler with nine points on 4-of-12 shooting, with three boards, two assists and a blocked shot in 28 minutes. I’m surprised I haven’t heard more of fans wanting Stuckey back in the starting lineup of Kyle since he’s been slumping a bit.
- Yes Rodney, no one is happy about this one.
Photo/Associated Press editing Need4Sheed.com
- Stuckey finished the game with 17 (after the half) on 5-of-12 shooting with five turnovers in 27 minutes before fouling out. It really was Rodney that made sure the Pistons stayed in this one.
- JaVale McGee decided to put on a show and Detroit let him. Lobs into the big man from Andre Miller made the Pistons look like a grade school team playing in the NBA.
- Why can’t Greg Monroe finish around the rim?
- Defense?
- Drummond scored seven points and 11 rebounds. He looked a little lost trying to guard McGee when he was putting on the dunk show, but I don’t think that was all on him.
- Tayshaun Prince, who scored eight with six boards said it all.
“The growing trend has been when we get a lead, we continue to take care of the offensive opportunities, but then still be (undisciplined) on the defensive end. And it’s been like that this season so far. The teams that we’ve been up on early in the first half, we get really comfortable with what we’re doing offensively … then from a defensive standpoint, the discipline ends up going away because we’ve got it going so good on the offensive end.” Via The Free Press
- Four games in five days is tough, but that’s no excuse in my book. This team as two days and a trip to Brooklyn to shake the funk for a Friday night game against the Nets.
Monroe has trouble with length and athleticism, it’s widely known; why he’s not on the floor with Drummond more I just can’t understand. With Drummond at center, Monroe with be defended by PFs who likely have less length than centers. Who would you rather Monroe be defended by McGee/Koufus or Fareed, Noah or Boozer, Hibbert or West, Varajao or Thompson and the list goes on. With Drummond at center Monroe gets a more favorable matchup. Max is playing well but is overmatched most nights, a second unit of Stuckey, Max, Slava, English and JJ would bring lots of energy rebounding and shot blocking.
our backcourt got beat again and monroe had trouble with athletic centers
I think by now the solutions is simple. Buy a point guard to teach Brandon Knight (Stuckey’s not gonna teach him anything). And give Drummond 30 minutes every nite.
half of this is on Joe D. The other half on Larry.
I’m not putting this losss on our boys, they tried.
I just checked the stats and the highest scoring average we have is Greg Monroe with 15. I don’t care who yoi are, unless you have six players averaging 15, you aren’t going to win.
If Drummond was drafted by somebody else, he could been starting and getting 30+ mins, happier and on the top rookie list.
Will anyone here trade Knight, Stucky to Boston for PG-Rando? and Tayshuan, Jerebko, 1st round 2013 Pick for Rudy Gay?
PG- Rondo
SG- Kyle
SF- Gay
PF- Monroe
C- Drummond ?
Hmmmmm ?
No way would Boston ever give up Rondo. In two years he is all they will have going for them. Nice thought though.