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The Detroit Pistons are at the point of the season where it is all about seeing who is worth keeping around next year and seeing if there is hope for next season in the Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, and Blake Griffin core. The Pistons aren’t technically mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but it would take an epic win streak and an epic collapse by the Milwaukee Bucks to see a postseason berth.
Games like this offer a glimmer of hope for the future of the Pistons’ core, although it came against a tanking Bulls team that was playing on the second night of a back-to-back, and without the likes of Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn.
Reggie Jackson had his best game since returning from his sprained ankle. He finished the game with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting. He still looked a bit slow as he tries to get his legs back after missing nearly three months, but the skills he brings to the table complement his teammates well.
Andre Drummond also had himself a game. He finished with 15 points, 20 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 assists. He also hit a couple of midrange jumpers (not sure if that is a good or bad thing, but if he’s making him then it can’t be too bad, right?) [editor’s note: It’s a bad thing].
Anthony Tolliver was scorching in this game. He burned the nets for 25 points in only 26 minutes and was 6-of-12 from beyond the long line.
The Pistons came into the 4th quarter with 16 made 3s, one shy of the franchise record. However, they finished the game with 16 3s as Anthony Tolliver cooled off. The Pistons still did set a 3-point shooting record in this game as they hit a franchise-high 13 threes in the first half.
There isn’t a whole lot else to say about this game, it was never really in doubt as the Bulls are in full-on tank mode. It is nice to see the Pistons play a complete game and maybe show a little hope for the future. The Pistons will be back in action Monday against the Lakers.