NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from the Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers game

Final Score: Philadelphia 76ers beat Detroit Pistons, 117-111

Stats:

Pistons- Field Goals 37-89 (41.6 percent), 49 rebounds, 22 assists, 3 blocks.

76ers- Field Goals 44-90 (48.9 percent), 40 rebounds, 26 assists, 12 blocks.

Detroit lost their third consecutive game as they were chased and hunted in the last quarter by the 76ers. These losses are tougher to swallow as all of them have come on their home court. 76ers rallied hard late in the fourth quarter to a 13-0 run which changed the course of the game.

Joel Embiid watched the Sixers win from the bench as he was rested for the match. Andre Drummond took advantage of the situation and posted a double-double with 10 rebounds and 21 points. Griffin also put a valiant effort with 31 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists in the loss. Pistons' bench power Ish Smith (right adductor muscle tear) and Stanley Johnson (sore left knee) are out of action which is pinching the team and is clearly visible.

Jimmy Butler was the scoring leader with 38 points. Simmons added 18 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists with amazing defensive plays in the game. J.J. Redick and Mike Muscala also recorded 18 points apiece.

Here are three talking points from the match.

#3 Jimmy Butler's prolific hustle to win

Jimmy Butler scored his 26 of 38 points in the second half to ensure Sixers' victory. He ended with 38 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. He shot 13-27 from the field. This was his consecutive 38 points game, he dropped 38 points on Wednesday's loss against Raptors.

Butler is an essential piece for the Philadelphia 76ers

He is keeping his All-Star form intact and has played a heavy influence in the Sixers' wins recently. Butler also had some heated moments with Griffin when the game was nearing climax. Griffin also got a technical foul because of that. But Butler had the last laugh as he helped Sixers seal the win.

#2 Pistons struggling offensively

The Detroit Pistons are facing some really notable issues with their offence and are getting testified with their performance in the recent games. It is hard to believe that this is the same team that went 5-1 in their previous homestand.

The Pistons are shooting only 42.9 percent from the field which is the worst out of the 30 teams in the NBA. They lack the creativity and point-scoring ability when required.

In December, they have played 4 games and have a 38.8 percent field-goal conversion. They have a drooping low 25.6 percent from the 3-pointer line.

Blake Griffin driving against Jimmy Butler

Their reliability on Griffin is costing them too much. Griffin has a 29.8 usage percentage this season. He has been playing at All-Star potential this season and is the scoring leader on the team with 25.2 points per game.

The biggest concern the Pistons are facing now is the injury trouble. Their two guards Ish Smith and Stanley Johnson are out with injury. They have contributed a lot in Detroit's recent wins coming off the bench.

#1 Embiid's rising frustration

The biggest highlight of 76ers' night against Pistons came off the court. He sat out on the bench (was rested) as his teams toppled Pistons. He grinned and yelped as he saw Drummond grabbed rebounds and dominated the paint in his absence.

He has raised statements that he is feeling frustrated about his role on the Sixers.

"I haven't been myself lately, I think it's mainly because of the way I've been used, which is I'm being used as a spacer, I guess, a stretch-5, which I'm only shooting [29] percent from 3-point range.But it seems like the past couple games, like with the way I play, our setup, [coach Brett Brown] always has me starting on the perimeter ... and it just really frustrates me."

He is averaging about 34 minutes per game and said that he doesn't need any rest. Since the Butler trade, his stats have also taken some hit. His points-per-game average has come down from 28.2 to 24.3, followed by a fall in 3-point percentage from 30.2 to 27.3.

While Butler is striking good on-court chemistry with Simmons and Redick, Embiid has openly spoken about the trouble he is facing.

Butler had a bitter fallout with Timberwolves recently and while on the Bulls things weren't sweet when he was traded away. Such tension among the players isn't a good sign for any team and let's hope that the team works out their differences and as the Sixers believe "Trust the Process".