Pistons vs. Timberwolves final score: Pistons defense missing, lose 112-101

Like in the loss against Indiana or the loss against Toronto, tonight the Pistons did their best to surge back against the Timberwolves but, thanks to an inability to make stops, they fell short.

If the Pistons miss the playoffs, the reason is probably going to be because of their defense.

Pistons worked their way into hole early on, giving up 61 percent shooting in the first quarter. They closed the gap for a minute in the second, but went into halftime down 11 points.

Pistons big men were all stout tonight. Andre Drummond finished with a perfect 8-8 from the field for the game, with 17 point, 14 rebounds, and a pair of blocks and steals. Greg Monroe had 15 points on 11 shots and 9 rebounds. Anthony Tolliver came off the bench for 15 points including 3 three pointers.

But a nice game from the frontcourt only goes so far when you don't play defense.

The Timberwolves finished with a shooting line of 51/42/85 and six players finished in double digit scoring. They also took 34 shots from the free throw line, making 29 of them.

It was too much for the Pistons to make up. Augustin had another solid game, putting up 20 points and 8 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 15 points and 4 steals.

It's unfortunate as the team has shown the ability to play solid defense at times. Since December 22, they're an above average defensive team. But in their 9 losses since then, they've given up 49 percent from the field.

The Pistons take on the seven-seed Charlotte Hornets next, who lost to the Indiana Pacers tonight on a game winning shot from George Hill.

Roll call: