Pistons vs. Wizards final score: Pistons activity on both ends guides them to easy win

The Detroit Pistons exploded out of the gate with an insane level activity on both offense and defense on their way to an easy 97-86 road win against the Washington Wizards on Thursday. They led by as many as 26 in the second half.

The Pistons got contributions up and down the roster thanks to their aggressiveness on defense switching, recovering, playing passing lanes, whatever was needed. They then ran down the court and cut, screened and found the open man every time.

At halftime, the Pistons led 58-35 and that was no thanks to their best player Blake Griffin. The Pistons forward had zero points on zero shots. It’s not that he played poorly. He just wasn’t forcing shots and other guys were finding seams in the defense.

The Pistons were led by Josh Jackson with 17 points and seven rebounds. Sekou Doumbouya added 10 points, some staunch defense and the heightened awareness and cutting we’ve become familiar with this preseason.

Joining those two in double figures were Jerian Jerami Grant (15 points) and Delon Wright (13 points) thanks to hitting 3s. Grant and Wright had three treys apiece.

Killian Hayes was active on defense, used screens well and ran the floor effectively, but he again struggled with his shot He hit only 2-of-6 from the floor and finished with nine points.

The Wizards, who were without Russell Westbrook, Davis Bertans and Rui Hachimura were led by Troy Brown Jr with 14 points off the bench.