Detroit Bad Boys - Pistons vs 76ers: Detroit wins preseason finale, 109-103A community of Detroit Pistons fans since 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48119/detroitbadboys-fave.png2014-10-24T14:28:18-04:00http://www.detroitbadboys.com/rss/stream/68265922014-10-24T14:28:18-04:002014-10-24T14:28:18-04:00Dinwiddie's dish to Drummond<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/OhvZLEWqL3m/embed/postcard" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>I hope we see this a lot more. <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/24/7062551/76ers-vs-pistons-nba-preseason-2014">More from Thursday's win</a>.</p></p></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/24/7062817/dinwiddies-dish-to-drummondMatt Watson2014-10-24T14:19:20-04:002014-10-24T14:19:20-04:00Josh Smith welcomes Nerlens Noel to the NBA<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/OhgmeXK72am/embed/postcard" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Don't feel too bad, <a href="http://dimemag.com/2014/10/gif-nerlens-noel-beats-andre-drummond-peak-massive-block/">Noel got his vs. Drummond later</a>.</p></p></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/24/7062729/josh-smith-welcomes-nerlens-noel-to-the-nbaMatt Watson2014-10-24T08:00:03-04:002014-10-24T08:00:03-04:00Pistons vs Sixers: The good, bad and ugly
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4klK6l1qiqOap_BnMoSDXfS0w_o=/10x0:3986x2651/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42590044/20141023_krj_ai5_0020.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A near fourth-quarter collapse did not prevent the Pistons from finishing the preseason with a 109-103 victory over Philadelphia on Thursday night.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> came into this game depleted even before news of <span>Brandon Jennings</span>' sore achilles causing him to miss the preseason finale. Therefore, D.J. Augustin grabbed the start with <span>Spencer Dinwiddie</span> clear 2nd choice PG. <span>Greg Monroe</span> also sat this one out, as the team prepares for his two game NBA suspension to start the season as a result of a his DUI. Let's examine the good, the bad, and the ugly.</p>
<h4><b>The Good</b></h4>
<p>-<span> </span>Spencer Dinwiddie looked very confident and able in his first minutes in a Pistons uniform. In 15:33 of action, he <span> </span>racked up 8 points to go along with 6 assists and only 2 TO. He also shot 2-3 from downtown.</p>
<p>-<span> </span><span>Cartier Martin</span> made a strong case as to why he should start opening night at SG. He finished with 17 points on 5-10 <span> </span>shooting (3-4 from 3) and 4-4 FT. He also brought the defense, finishing with 6 steals and a game leading plus-minus of plus-20 <span> </span>(D.J. Augustin was second best with plus-9)</p>
<p>-<span> </span><span>Kyle Singler</span> found his shot early and was in premier bucket-making form. He shot 7-12 from the field (4-8 from 3) <span> </span>and finished with a game high 19 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 3 steals.</p>
<p>-<span> </span><span>Josh Smith</span> before the 4th quarter was unstoppable. The closest Piston to a triple double, he finished with 17 points, <span> </span>10 rebounds and 7 assists on 6-14 shooting (1-2 from 3) and 4-6 from FT. There was also a stretch in the third <span> </span>quarter where he had consecutive great plays, starting with a drive and dunk followed by continuously attacking the <span> </span>basket.</p>
<p>-<span> </span><span>Caron Butler</span> also brought his A-game tonight, finishing second on the team with 18 points (5-9 FG, 2-6 3PT, 6-7 FT) <span> </span>and 8 rebounds. After being a position of potential weakness, all three leading SF's had great games tonight.</p>
<p>-<span> </span>Shooting percentages. The Pistons had some video game numbers, shooting 35-72 (.486) from the field, 15-28 <span> </span>(.536) from three, and 24-31 (.774) from the free-throw line. Also, the team assisted 28 of the 35 field goals, with D.J Augustin dishing <span> </span>out 11 dimes</p>
<h4><b>The Bad</b></h4>
<p>-<span> </span>Josh Smith in the late third/fourth quarter. He lost his concentration and began taking some ill-advised jumpshots, a <span> </span>couple which were late in the shot clock. He made a clutch 3 in the fourth, but he became a little trigger-happy, <span> </span>which slightly dampened an otherwise promising performance</p>
<p>-<span> </span><span>Andre Drummond</span> looked disinterested. Aside from a great dunk on an assist from Dinwiddie, he was continually <span> </span>beaten to loose rebounds by <span>Nerlens Noel</span> and <span>Henry Sims</span>, and finished with a quiet game by his standards of 10 <span> </span>points and 11 rebounds, but with 5 TO. He was also dragged (benched) by Van Gundy in the fourth after poor efforts <span> </span>defensively.</p>
<p>-<span> </span><span>D.J. Augustin's</span> ability to run an offense. Looking past the admittedly good 11 assists and 1 TO, the fact is that a lot <span> </span>of the time there was a lot of dribbling from Augustin and stagnant movement from the others. There were <span> </span>numerous times where Josh Smith amongst others, had his hands held out as if to say, "what play are we running?"<span> </span>This game, in my mind, proved Augustin is better served as a bench scorer, despite his 11 assists. A lot of his <span> </span>passes were late in the shot clock, trying to conserve his percentages. Also, he had a poor FT shooting night, going <span> </span>5-8.</p>
<h4><b>The Ugly</b></h4>
<p>-<span> </span>A near fourth quarter collapse. The Pistons led by 10 at one point and found themselves on the wrong end of a <span> </span>Sixers run. As Rick Mahorn said, the Sixers were scrappy and deserved the credit, as the Pistons looked lax, before <span> </span>a Smith three restled some momentum back. Luckily, we should see Brandon Jennings and Kentavious Caldwell-<span> </span>Pope return for the season opener in six days in Denver.</p>
<p>What do you think, DBB?</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/24/7055713/pistons-vs-sixers-the-good-bad-and-uglyBen Quagliata2014-10-24T02:50:53-04:002014-10-24T02:50:53-04:00Spencer Dinwiddie debuts, 'can do it all'<blockquote>
<p><p>"He was really good. He’s really, really talented. I’ve been telling folks around the league, ‘We’ve got a nice little steal right there with Spencer.’ He can really do it all. He can shoot the ball. He’s clever – he’s extremely clever. I don’t want his head to blow up, so I try to keep it to myself, but he can play the game of basketball."</p></p>
</blockquote>
<div class="source"><p><p>- Caron Butler, <a href="http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/pistons-wrap-preseason-win-over-philly-dinwiddie-debuts" target="new">Pistons.com</a></p></p></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/24/7056457/spencer-dinwiddie-is-really-really-talentedPackey2014-10-24T01:56:59-04:002014-10-24T01:56:59-04:00Pistons win preseason finale
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IcREU4196aYyL1JzcCG0I15p4EQ=/0x120:2699x1919/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42590516/20141023_krj_ai5_0021.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>No free Phili! In a game many thought would likely be a blowout, the game came down to the wire. Thanks to well spread-out production, the Pistons pulled away with a 109-103 win to finish the preseason 5-2.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> fans almost had nightmarish flashbacks when the Pistons almost collapsed in the 4th quarter, but thankfully the Pistons pulled away in the last four minutes of the game for the 109-103 win. The Pistons finish the preseason 5-2, their best mark since 2008-2009.</p>
<p>Going into the game, a lot of us fans likely had some preconceived thoughts:</p>
<ol>
<li>This is Philadelphia, we should likely blow them out of the water.</li>
<li>SPENCER DINWIDDIE!!!! WOOOOO!!!!</li>
<li>Ugh, limited or no Moose. This is going to suck.</li>
<li>Why do half of the names on the Philly roster not ring a bell to me?</li>
</ol>
<p>Well, it should have been a blowout. And at one point, it looked like it. With 4:46 to go in the 3rd quarter, the Pistons were up 80-67 after a 7-0 run. However, Philly would go on an 8-0 run to end the quarter only down by eight.</p>
<p>With eight minutes to go in the 4th quarter, the Pistons were still up by nine. Then something happened. Sadly, I can't exactly tell you what that was, but I blame myself for it. It being way past the kids' bedtime, I went to go read to them and get them in bed. When I came out, we were down two, 93-91. Reading the Play-by-Play, it looks like sloppy play and some missed bunnies (couple missed layups, a missed tip, turnovers). Thankfully, not long after I got back, D.J. hit a three and we never looked back (aside from being tied 99-99).</p>
<p>I'm trying to temper myself with what I saw during the game and what the box score says, but that isn't easy. This was Philadelphia, who was playing without their starting PG and has quite a few players on the roster that may not stick in the league long (if not on a tanking team). But there were too many things to like.</p>
<p>First and foremost, his name is <b><span>Spencer Dinwiddie</span></b> and don't you forget it. The Mayor only played 15 minutes and change, but it isn't even what his box score says. He looked entirely comfortable out there running plays. The first few plays had me concerned because not long after crossing half court he would pass to <span>Josh Smith</span> and Josh would orchestrate, but that seemed to subside later. He was looking to pass more than get his shot. The ball movement when Dinwiddie was in just looked beautiful. To end the first quarter, he drove down the lane as the quarter was coming to an end and kicked it out to a wide open Jerebko. Jerebko missed, but it was the vision that was important.</p>
<p>Dinwiddie's box score looks quite efficient. He was 2-4 (2-3 from deep) for 8 points, but one of those shots was with the clock running out and a player in his face. He also had 6 assists against only 2 turnovers.</p>
<p>Also showing up tonight: <b>all of our small forwards.</b></p>
<p><span>Cartier Martin</span> likely got the minutes he did thanks to injuries to Meeks and KCP, but he made the most of them (which is I believe exactly what SVG said about him when he signed him in Free Agency). In 32 minutes, he was 5-10 (3-4 from deep) for 17 points, 4-4 from the line (all in the last 2 minutes of the game), and had 6 steals. He also got on the floor for a few balls, once drawing a jump ball against Noel (Noel won that easily).</p>
<p>Singler, who has been struggling pretty bad this preseason, had himself quite a night. Kyle finished 7-12 (4-8 from deep, mostly from the corners) for 19 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals in 39 minutes (played mostly SG if I'm not mistaken).</p>
<p>Old Man Caron also had a pretty good night. Butler finished 5-9 (only 2-6 from deep) for 18 points (6-7 from the line) to go along with 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 26 minutes.</p>
<p>If our SFs show up like this in the regular season...</p>
<p>Josh Smith was even having a good night, until DBB jinxed it. As people were starting to talk about how he was playing really well tonight, he then starts throwing up shots. He finished 6-14 (1-2 from deep) for 17 points, 10 boards, 7 assists and a block.</p>
<p>Though he finished with a double-double, Andre seemed off tonight. That might have something to do with him being blocked on the Pistons first possession of the game by Noel. He finished 5-11 for 10 points and 11 boards. He also had 5 turnovers (at least two of them were due to double teams).</p>
<p>With Jennings out, D.J. strengthened his case for the starting gig. Again, this is against Philly with MCW out, but he finished with 11 points (2-6, 2-3 from deep), 11 assists against 1 turnover, 1 rebound and a steal.</p>
<p>Overall, the Pistons had six players in double figure points, three with 8+ rebounds, and 3 with 6+ assists. <span>Joel Anthony</span> also got 18 minutes (Moose didn't play) and did what he was brought in to do, a couple boards (4) and a few blocks (2).</p>
<p>The Pistons kick off their regular season next Wednesday in Denver against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a>. By then, hopefully both KCP and Jennings will be back from their injuries.</p>
<p>- <a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20141023/PHIDET/gameinfo.html?ls=slt" target="_blank">Box Score</a></p>
<p><b>ROLL CALL </b></p>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joe%20Cool99">Joe Cool99</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SRK756100">SRK756100</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/J%20Dre">J Dre</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Aris%20Kafadogias">Aris Kafadogias</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/OK%20from%20J">OK from J</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/I%20Got%20Munnyz">I Got Munnyz</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Balibago">Balibago</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/zeke_geek">zeke_geek</a></td>
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https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/24/7055589/pistons-vs-76ers-final-pistons-finish-preseason-with-a-win-109-103Jason Brunskowski2014-10-23T19:06:07-04:002014-10-23T19:06:07-04:00Brandon Jennings out vs. 76ers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zXiwOPls4RtTadTBIzbtuvuIZgg=/0x1220:2660x2993/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/42578360/20140201_jla_af2_168.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Brandon Jennings will not play the final preseason game for the Pistons. </p> <p><span>Brandon Jennings</span> did not participate in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a>' shootaround Thursday morning with a sore achilles and was unofficially listed as questionable for the Pistons' final preseason game. A little over an hour before tip off, Jennings was officially ruled out.</p>
<p><span>D.J. Augustin</span> will start in lieu of Jennings.</p>
<p>Aside from Augustin, the Pistons will trot out the same starting lineup as they did against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Hawks</a> -- <span>Cartier Martin</span>, <span>Kyle Singler</span>, <span>Josh Smith</span> and <span>Andre Drummond</span>.</p>
<p><span>Stan Van Gundy</span> suggested on Saturday night that he was considering sitting <span>Greg Monroe</span> to prepare for the first two games of the season in which Monroe will be suspended for his DUI. <a href="https://twitter.com/Keith_Langlois/status/525406041429639168" target="_blank">Keith Langlois tweeted</a> that Monroe will play little, if any, in the the preseason finale due to the suspension.</p>
<p>We will also get our first look at <span>Joel Anthony</span>, who was recently acquired in a trade for <span>Will Bynum</span>. <a href="https://twitter.com/Vincent_Ellis56/status/525412130976051201" target="_blank">Vince Ellis tweeted</a> that <span>Jonas Jerebko</span> and Anthony will be the primary big backups on Thursday night.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">76ers</a> will start ... meh.</p>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/23/7053577/pistons-vs-76ers-preseason-lineups-brandon-jennings-achilles-injuryPackey2014-10-23T17:54:57-04:002014-10-23T17:54:57-04:00Spencer Dinwiddie ready to make debut<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/OhihqYPA7Lu/embed/simple" width="480" height="480"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Spencer Dinwiddie's shot is looking good as he prepares to make his debut on Thursday night.</p></p></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/23/7053223/spencer-dinwiddie-ready-to-make-debutPackey2014-10-23T13:36:50-04:002014-10-23T13:36:50-04:00Brandon Jennings questionable for preseason finale<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/Keith_Langlois/status/525307308322992128">Brandon Jennings questionable for preseason&nbsp;finale</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>If Jennings can't go, that's another wrench thrown into Stan Van Gundy's plans of playing Jennings with D.J. Augustin and Spencer Dinwiddie, who will be making his debut. </p>
<p>We'll have more closer to game time.</p></p></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/23/7049485/brandon-jennings-questionable-for-preseason-finalePackey