The Pistons lost their franchise worst 10th straight home game on Tuesday night to the Portland Trail Blazers, 98-86. It was also the 10th game this season the Pistons shot below 40 percent.
It's hard to say this with a straight face behind a computer screen, but the Pistons didn't play their worst game of the season and actually played quite well in some facets of the game. The Pistons had 23 assists opposite only six turnovers, doubled up the Blazers' free throw attempts, and were even with the Blazers on the boards despite all the extra misses. Unfortunately, shooting -- putting the basketball in the basketball hoop -- is a significant part of the game, so shooting below 40 percent again doomed them against one of the best in the West.
The Pistons never really recovered from giving up a 33-point first quarter, and when they had a chance to make up some ground in the third quarter they shot 18 percent. The Blazers shot 49 percent from the field overall, 43 percent from three. The 12-point difference in the game could all be found behind the long line, where the Pistons clanked 17.
A lineup consisting of Spencer Dinwiddie, D.J. Augustin, Caron Butler, Jonas Jerebko and Greg Monroe went on a 13-0 run in the fourth quarter to pull the game within Don't Look Now territory, but the Blazers came up with makes when they needed them. The Pistons did not score in the final three and a half minutes of the game.
Monroe led the Pistons with 22. Andre Drummond had a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Drum shot only 3-for-12, but he had some memorable defensive possessions.
LaMarcus Aldridge struggled with his shot, but finished with 23 for Portland. Undrafted shooting guard Wesley Matthews was rock solid with 19 points on 12 shots.
The Pistons travel west now for three. A franchise worst 14-game losing streak is on the line Friday in Phoenix.
GameThread Roll Call
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