The Detroit Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics 119-113 in today’s Sunday matinee. Detroit struggled in the beginning – they were down 17 at one point during the first quarter and had five turnovers in the first four minutes. Yet, this team once again this season clawed back against a playoff team to secure a victory.
Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and Isaiah Stewart played a huge role in creating a spark that started Detroit’s comeback near the end of the first quarter. With Ron’s number change, they’ve been walking the walk when they said they wanted teams to work 9-to-5. Boston’s roster could not put up with the team’s energy and size for a full 48 minutes.
The whole team had 65 rebounds, and it’s only the third time in the 21st century that the Pistons have had that many rebounds in a game. With Boston playing big men Neemias Queta and Luka Garza at the center position tonight, Jalen Duren feasted. He had 24 points and 17 rebounds, including 10 offensive. He shot 12-for-13 from the free throw line and even made a long mid-range jumper.
Ausar contributed with a double-double of his own as he added in 21 points and 12 rebounds. At one point late in the fourth quarter, Thompson contributed with points, rebounds, or assists in multiple consecutive possessions to help the Pistons keep their lead. It’s now the second game in a row where Ausar was at least second on the team in shot attempts, and I’ll be the brave one by saying I am here for Aggressive Ausar. Oh, yeah – and he went 7-for-8 from the line.
The other high-ceiling wing Ron Holland also continues to impress. He only played 19 minutes and didn’t shoot it well, but you always feel his presence on the court and he’s always doing the dirty work. It’s even more fun when he’s on the court with Ausar and Stew as all three are great at creating havoc for the opposing offense. If you’re looking for a Way Too Early Take, mine is that Ron should be starting over Duncan.
Fearless leader Cade Cunningham led all Detroit players with 25 points while also adding eight assists. He knocked down all seven of his free throw attempts, but it was another high turnover game with six. It’s clear he’s at the top of every opposing team’s scouting report of Detroit as they tend to send multiple people at him frequently. Teams like to disrupt him early by guarding him full-court, but Aggressive Ausar can help with that.
This was the first game of a back-to-back as Detroit plays again tomorrow night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Time for a tough start to the schedule to get tougher.
