Pistons Earn Gutsy Win Against Pacers
The ailing Pistons came away with a win last night in Summer League against the Indiana Pacers, 80-76. Detroit improved to 3-0 in the Tournament, as the Pacers dropped to 1-2. Detroit has 21.5 out of the 24 possible Summer League Tournament points.
Detroit had been playing Summer League banged up before it even began. Shooting guard Darrun Hilliard suffered a back injury a day before Detroit's first game. Then after Detroit won their first game in the tourney, rookie Michael Gbinije sprained his ankle.
Injuries to Hilliard and Gbinije left Detroit slim on the wing, but the journeymen that joined Detroit's roster in at attempt to earn a contract in the NBA or overseas, have stepped up.
Last night former Wichita State guard Tekele Cotton posted 9 points, 2 rebounds, and an assist. Chavaughen Lewis had 5 points, including one of Detroit's six threes.
Detroit had good production from everyone that played last night, besides Kadeem Jack, who only played four minutes in the game.
Centers Kaleb Tarczewski and Jordan Bachynski continue to dominate in Orlando. Tarczewski had 9 points and 3 rebounds in 21 minutes, while Bachysnki had 11 points and 3 rebounds in 19 minutes. Point guard Lorenzo Brown continues to be the consistent leader for Detroit, as he scored 13 points, grabbed four rebounds, assisted on four shots, and came away with a steal.
Rookie Henry Ellenson continues to be impressive on the offensive end of the ball, scoring 14 points in the game. He showed an array of scoring moves.
https://twitter.com/DetroitPistons/status/750460623578865673
Did someone say Dirk?
However, it was Stanley Johnson who stood out the most for Detroit. Johnson has struggled all Summer League, and in the first half it appeared he was set to have another poor game. He came alive in the 2nd half. Late in the game it was the Stanley Johnson show. He went back and forth with the Pacers, knocking down back to back threes and assisting on a bucked for Tarczewski. He also played great defense late in the game on Glenn Robinson III, which allowed Detroit to get the ball back without letting Indiana score. He finished with 16 points, five rebounds, four steals, and three assists.
For the Pacers, Robinson III led the way with 20 points and 7 rebounds, Rakeem Christmas had 15 points.
Detroit has on off dat today, but faces their biggest challenge tomorrow. They will face the Miami HEAT, who are also undefeated. The HEAT are led by Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson. Richardson is averaged 19.5 points per game while Winslow is averaging 18 points.
They play tomorrow at 5P.M.
Featured image via: USA Today Sports