NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from the Detroit Pistons vs Oklahoma City game 

Oklahoma City Thunder v Detroit Pistons
Oklahoma City Thunder v Detroit Pistons

Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder beat Detroit Pistons, 110-83

Stats:

Pistons- Field Goals 31-94 (33.0%), 53 rebounds, 16 assists, 10 steals.

Thunder- Field Goals 43-85 (50.6%), 59 rebounds, 23 assists, 10 steals.

OKC Thunder snapped the Pistons' 5-game winning streak on a night which was expected to be a clash of mirror-image teams. The match-ups were anticipated between the big men- Andre Drummond and Steven Adams; forwards- Blake Griffin and Jerami Grant and former teammate guards- Russell Westbrook and Reggie Jackson.

The Thunder dominated the Pistons from the very beginning of the game. But the final blow came in the third quarter where Thunder outscored the Pistons 37-19 and then there was no coming back for the Pistons.

Pistons were looking lethargic and never seems to dominate the game but tried to put a valiant effort which went in vain. Blake Griffin contributed 20 points, 4 assists and 5 rebounds. But Andre Drummond was completely toppled by Steven Adams who was limited to 6 rebound and 13 points.


#3 No Superstar game but a thunderous team effort.

Grant and Adams defending the basket against Pistons
Grant and Adams defending the basket against Pistons

Six players on the Thunder scored in double digits led by Adams with 21 points. All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Paul George added 18 and 17 points respectively. Nerlens Noel (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Dennis Schroder (12 points, 9 boards, 6 assists) were the chief contributors off the bench.

Oklahoma put up an amazing show defensively, limiting the Pistons to 83 points. Pistons have been high on scoring with 12 consecutive games with 100 or more points before this loss.

There were many instances during the game where Pistons were trying and moving the ball left, right and center but were not able to create shots.

In the post-match interview Pistons coach Dwane Casey said

"Their defense is very good -- hats off to them. They came in with the right approach and we didn't. I take the blame for that. I didn't have us ready to play against one of the top defensive teams in the league."

#2 Flaws in the Pistons exposed

Paul George taking a hit to force an Offensive foul against Pistons
Paul George taking a hit to force an Offensive foul against Pistons

Pistons have played and won against good teams this season. But the way OKC Thunder runs their attack can catch anyone off shore. This is exactly what happened tonight.

Thunder were explosive in attacking the rim from the very first minute of the game. The attack was led by Adams and Grant who dominated the ring well. Both combined for 36 points with 12-14 field goal conversion. While Westbrook and Schroder took care of the business in the backcourt and created opportunities for the rest.

In the third quarter, Thunder completely froze the Pistons and increased the 10 point lead to 29. OKC held the Pistons to 35% shooting with 1-8 from three.

Much was expected from Blake Griffin as he is playing at his All-Star caliber. But OKC double-teamed him throughout the game. He didn't score much and couldn't create easy baskets for his teammates.

#1 Star of the Game: Steven Adams

Steven Adams laying up the ball
Steven Adams laying up the ball

Steven showed a good display of strength and skills in holding the Pistons to the ground. He forced Drummond and Pachulia to the bench with four fouls each.

It becomes easy while playing alongside facilitators like Westbrook and George that you get scoring opportunities. Adams went seven of eight from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.

Adams also shouldered the Pistons well inside the paint. He grabbed rebounds at both the ends to create opportunities at crucial times. The two blocks that he delivered were majestic. The 25-year-old Kiwi looked all-in while playing his 28 minutes part.

OKC Coach Donovan was all happy with his effort and said

''Steven was able to create pressure at the rim all night, and even when the Pistons adjusted their coverage, he and Russell adjusted at the next stoppage of the play.''

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Edited by Abhinav Munshi