Pistons vs. Raptors: DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas combine for 72 in 109-91 Pistons loss

The Pistons opened their season with a 109-91 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. The Pistons started the game well, but due to Andre Drummond being in foul trouble and Jonas Valanciunas stroking it from the free throw line, the Pistons’ early lead did not last long.

At one point very early in the first quarter, the Pistons scored on their first nine trips and were up 11-4. By the end of the first quarter, the Raptors were up 33-23. A good part of that could have been due to Drummond only playing four minutes because of foul trouble. Stan Van Gundy was not happy. Dre sat for the next 17 minutes.

At the end of the half, the Pistons were down by 12, 58-46.

DeMar DeRozan took over in the third quarter. According to the Raptors commentators, DeRozan may not have been ok with a media outlet calling him the 46th best player in the league. So he went for a measly 21-points in the third quarter, just four off from the entire Pistons team in the same quarter. DeRozan had 40 points after three quarters and the Raptors lead increased to 15.

Unfortunately, the Pistons could not close the gap despite hanging around 10, losing 109-91.

It was the 11th straight game the Raptors scored over 100 points against the Pistons.

Detroit had three players in double figures scoring, but none in double figures in rebounds. Tobias Harris finished 8-for-13 from the field for 22 points to lead the Pistons in scoring. Marcus Morris had 17 on 7-for-17 shooting and led the Pistons in rebounds with nine.

Drummond finished with 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting (2-for-6 from the line) and six boards opposite four turnovers and five fouls.

Now your thoughts.