Not really the sexiest poster there is for a Sunday at European time, but it Nets – Pistons had the merit of offering us a semblance of suspense, despite a level of play that was far from exciting.
Before finally leading to a victory of Detroit (106-92), more collectively inspired than Brooklyn thanks to Cade Cunningham (19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists) and Tobias Harris (18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) or even Malik Beasley (18 points) et Jalen Duren (13 points, 17 rebounds, 3 blocks).
After a generally balanced first half, with wasted ball in hand compensated by aggressiveness on each side to get points on the line, we had to wait until the third quarter to witness the first real domination of a team.
That of the Pistons in this case, with a 25-8 over eight minutes initiated by a sharp Tobias Harris and who punishes at the slightest opening, in the company of the Cade Cunningham – Jalen Duren pair closer to the circle.
Enough to put the Nets behind by around ten points, even though they had started well in the shadow of Cam Johnson in a great shooting evening.
A gap that will ultimately never be filled, Malik Beasley and Cade Cunningham making sure not to give Cam Thomas' teammates hope with their 3-point baskets or in the paint.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Detroit accelerates after halftime. Not at best in the first period, but not dropped by the Nets either, the Pistons waited until the locker room to make the difference in this game. Under the leadership of the trio Cade Cunningham – Tobias Harris – Jalen Duren, the players of JB Bickerstaff signed a run of 25-8 straddling the third and fourth quarters, pressing as well in the paint as at 3-points or even at mid-distance, while taking advantage of Brooklyn's ball losses, which sprinkled as a bonus from afar. An eight-minute long sequence which therefore changed the match.
– Brooklyn breaks down offensively. With nearly 118 points on average since the restart, the Nets were doing well, and even very well offensively, but they had an afternoon without in front of their fans. No doubt disturbed by this advanced schedule, but also by the physical intensity exerted by the Pistons, Jordi Fernandez's men never really found their rhythm, like Cam Thomas or Dennis Schröder. Cam Johnson tried his best to delay the deadline, but he couldn't keep up the pace. Especially since Nic Claxton let several easy points slip away on the free throw line…
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
