The Pistons looked like they were continuing their elite play from the New York Knicks game early into this one as they started off on a 16-9 run, led by a quick six points from Ausar Thompson. Charlotte would respond with a 22-13 run behind the three-point shooting and quick triggers of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller.
It’s clear that head coach Charles Lee has given his team the green light to let it fly from deep. It makes sense as to why they’re 12-3 in their previous 15 games when this team is connecting on its three-pointers like they did throughout the first half. They would shoot 6-for-10 from behind the arc in the first quarter, including a halfcourt heave at the buzzer to take a 33-29 Hornets lead heading into the second. Even though Detroit forced seven Charlotte turnovers, they would shoot 0-for-6 from deep.
Detroit struggled to find offense outside of the paint, but MVP candidate Cade Cunningham was able to carry the load. He was hitting his midrange shots, getting to the rim, finding open teammates, and was the only Detroit player to hit a three until he found Tobias wide open in the corner at the six-minute mark in the second.
The Pistons turned up the defense before the end of the half as they were able to close out with a 14-2 run to take a 61-57 halftime lead. The story was still the same - Charlotte continued their hot shooting from deep while Detroit forced nine turnovers and held a 32-10 points in the paint advantage. The Pistons only made two of their 13 three-point attempts, but the Hornets were 12-for-25. Future MVP Cade Cunningham led the way with 19 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
That’s when all hell broke loose.
Jalen Duren drove to the rim and was fouled by Moussa Diabate. The two confronted each other with a headbutt, a push, and some swings into the air. Diabate almost got to Duren a second time, but JD was swung on by Miles Bridges shortly after at halfcourt. Isaiah Stewart saw and confronted Bridges until both teams were able to be separated afterwards.
Here are two other looks at the second altercation between Bridges, Duren, and Stewart:
All four players were ejected after review. I would expect suspensions coming from the league for both Duren and Stew as well.
After everyone’s adrenaline wore off, including my own, Paul Reed was inserted onto the floor as the only center left in the game and instantly hit a corner three. Cade Cunningham picked right back up where he left off with impressive shot-making at all three levels and led Detroit to a double-digit lead at end the third quarter up 88-78.
As soon as JB Bickerstaff subbed Cunningham out at the eight-minute mark, Brandon Miller hit a movement three to bring Detroit’s lead to six. Yet, even without Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, fellow Dawg Pound members Ausar Thompson and Paul Reed brought the energy in their absence. Check out this Bball Paul poster:
Charlotte couldn’t get their three-pointers to fall late, and with the Hornets preventing Cade Cunningham from getting the ball, the Pistons went to Ol’ Reliable Tobias Harris late for his patented post jump shot over a smaller guard to put Detroit up six with 40 seconds left. Cade would knock down the final free throw and the Pistons would finish it out to beat the Hornets 110-104.
Cunningham was the star of the show finishing with 33 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. He was able to get to his spots whenever he wanted and Charlotte struggled to guard him even without both big men. Duncan Robinson added 18 points and four assists while Tobias Harris had 11 points and five rebounds.
Paul Reed was the unsung hero of this Detroit victory. He didn’t play until after the ejections of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, but he played in 18 of the game’s final 19 minutes. He scored 12 points on five shots while adding three rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks. He is without a doubt the best third-string center in the league.
Charlotte’s Big Three of Ball, Knueppel, and Miller all scored 20 or more points and combined for 64 total. Each had double-digit shot attempts from deep and all three made at least four threes.
Head coach JB Bickerstaff reiterated postgame that it was not Detroit players who initiated the conflict in tonight’s game and that they were acting in self-defense. He described the relationship between Duren and Stewart as “brothers” and felt as if they were defending themselves after they were swung on.
This sure would be an interesting seven-game series if these two teams were to meet in the playoffs. Detroit plays next on Wednesday in Toronto before the long All-Star Weekend.
See More:
* [Detroit Pistons Game Day](/detroit-pistons-game-day)
* [Pistons Scores](/pistons-scores-results)