Detroit Bad Boys - Pistons vs Suns: Detroit sears 13-game losing streak in PhoenixA community of Detroit Pistons fans since 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48119/detroitbadboys-fave.png2014-12-13T12:09:09-05:00http://www.detroitbadboys.com/rss/stream/71502802014-12-13T12:09:09-05:002014-12-13T12:09:09-05:00Kentavious Caldwell-Pope shows a hearty pulse
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BDeJIrecwrTDmpqNNkCrw1n-t98=/0x118:2154x1554/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44332236/usa-today-8267499.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Markieff Morris was not making any suggestions after Friday night's game about Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's heart.</p> <p>After the Nov. 19 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> in which <span>Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</span> missed a game winner with a few seconds left in the game, Suns forward <a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/11/20/7253143/markieff-morris-claims-kentavious-caldwell-pope-does-not-have-any">Markieff Morris said</a> that he knew KCP was going to miss the shot because 'you know he doesn't have any heart.' <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/11/20/7255587/kcp-responds-to-markieff-morris-svg-wonders-why-morris-is-mouthing-off/in/7015448" target="_blank">KCP took the high road, </a>indirectly disagreeing by stating that he would keep Morris' words at heart.</p>
<p>Friday night was Pope's first chance to stick his chest out and show there was something beating inside it. Pope did not disappoint with a destructive high volume game like 'competitors' tend to do to prove something. Instead, Pope was admirably efficient and propelled the team when they needed him most.</p>
<p>The pith of Pope's 14-point performance on nine shots came in the fourth quarter, when he dropped a quarter high 10, including a clutch three in front of the Suns bench to put the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> up 100-97 with 1:13 remaining.</p>
<p>After Pope hit that shot, you knew he was going to sneak a peak back at the Suns bench (quote <a href="http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2014/12/detroit_pistons_kentavious_cal_6.html" target="_blank">via MLIVE</a>):</p>
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<p>"I did kind of look at the bench, or whatever, man, just to let them know I do have heart. I will take that shot any day," Caldwell-Pope said.</p>
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<p>In other words, "I cried at the end of <i>Marley & Me</i>, so eff you."</p>
<p>Watch KCP's highlights here:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-h1sKQTlVtc" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/13/7386831/kentavious-caldwell-pope-heart-vs-suns-markieff-morrisPackey2014-12-13T09:43:46-05:002014-12-13T09:43:46-05:00Jodie Meeks highlights from his Pistons debut<iframe width="500" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6wRYuX5NMyk?feature=oembed" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>via the great BadBoysRemix on YouTube.</p></p></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/13/7386879/jodie-meeks-highlights-from-his-pistons-debutPackey2014-12-13T09:11:18-05:002014-12-13T09:11:18-05:00Jodie Meeks helps Pistons to win in return
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5pUYVJIjJ1o_IW2STIJSUgDL7CY=/0x149:3732x2637/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44333914/usa-today-8267497.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Detroit Pistons do not play in Alaska, but it sure has felt like it. After countless days of darkness (losses), there is finally a dose of light (we won!).</p> <p>During the winter in Alaska, there is a rather long period of time where there is minimal light. The sun will rise once every day, but it may be for less than a minute. For most people, this sunrise is not long enough to make it feel like it is daytime. That is exactly how the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> season has been going recently during their 13 game losing streak. With the win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> Friday night, was that just the quick rise of the sun on an Alaskan winter day?</p>
<p>Over their 13 game losing streak, the Pistons have also had small glimpses of daylight. There were the four straight double-doubles by <span>Andre Drummond</span>, three of which were when <span>Brandon Jennings</span> was out with a thumb injury. You also have the fact that in the last 10 games, Drummond has only shot under 50-percent three times (unlike the first 13 games where he only shot over 50-percent four times). You also have things like how the Pistons almost beat the Suns in their last matchup and were an ill-advised <span>Josh Smith</span> three pointer away from taking a full strength <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> team into overtime. But there was still the darkness of a 13 game losing streak, tying the second-longest losing streak in franchise history.</p>
<p>But darkness no more. It was a close game from start to finish. The Pistons never led by any more than five points and they never trailed by any more than eight points (that was in the first quarter). You can thank <span>Jodie Meeks</span> being back.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="floated-video">
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6wRYuX5NMyk" frameborder="0"></iframe> <em>Jodie Meeks highlights</em>
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<p><br id="1418481110222"></p>
<p> </p>
<p>No, he did not tear up the stat sheet in his first regular season game as a Piston. However, he allowed <span>Stan Van Gundy</span> to use his roster how he wanted. In his first game back, Meeks logged almost 22 minutes. Only about three of those minutes came from <span>Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</span> while the rest came at the expense of <span>Kyle Singler</span> (who did not start). In those 22 minutes, Meeks was pretty good for his first game back. He did not shoot any threes, but was 4-for-10 from the field and 4-for-4 from the line for 12 points. But what he provided really does not shot up in the box score.</p>
<p>Meeks was active all game. At one point, I thought <span>Richard Hamilton</span> was making a comeback. Those of us that were lucky enough to watch the Goin' to Work crew remember Hamilton relentlessly running on offense without the ball to get into position. That is exactly what Meeks was doing (<a target="new" href="http://on.nba.com/1vLkYPk">as can be seen here</a>). This resulted in what looked (to the eye test) like better ball movement whenever Meeks was in the game. As such, eight of the 10 players logged 20 or more minutes. Van Gundy was able to shuffle around the rotations how he wanted and get pretty even distribution of minutes and shots. Six players had nine or more shots. Of course, Josh Smith (tied with Drummond) led the way with 14 shots and Jennings was a close third at 13. However, aside from Drummond and Caldwell-Pope, none of the other players who shot nine or more times shot above 50-percent. Even still, the Pistons did shoot 47.6-percent from the field, almost a full seven points above their season average.</p>
<p>Another aspect of the game Meeks affected was points in the paint. The Pistons scored 60 points in the paint (their most of the season and 16.5 above their season average), six of which came from Meeks. Another 20 of those points came from Drummond, but the others came from transition and<a href="http://on.nba.com/1vLmeli" target="_blank"> better ball movement</a>.</p>
<p>If Meeks can continue to provide consistent movement without the ball and encourage better ball movement, he will more than earn his time on the floor. Meeks' presence may also encourage a better game from Caldwell-Pope by providing some steady examples. What has been <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/11/7376245/svg-rotations-driving-the-pistons-tank" target="_blank">a position of weakness</a> may have finally been shored up.</p>
<p>Now the question stands: Will it be any brighter after the Pistons face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, or will darkness return?</p>
<p>GameThread roll call:</p>
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<th width="20">#</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th># Comments</th>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/garrettelliott">garrettelliott</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mike%20Payne">Mike Payne</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BandWagonerPaysTheDues">BandWagonerPaysTheDues</a></td>
<td>57</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sauce1977">sauce1977</a></td>
<td>43</td>
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<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Goose15">Goose15</a></td>
<td>40</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/madpoopz">madpoopz</a></td>
<td>39</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MrHappyMushroom">MrHappyMushroom</a></td>
<td>34</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kevin%20Sawyer">Kevin Sawyer</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/heWizard">heWizard</a></td>
<td>33</td>
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<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bonerici">bonerici</a></td>
<td>30</td>
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<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/christiaanl">christiaanl</a></td>
<td>28</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ben%20Quagliata">Ben Quagliata</a></td>
<td>23</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DetroitKentucky2020">DetroitKentucky2020</a></td>
<td>21</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/IamPAP">IamPAP</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/GVLaker09">GVLaker09</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/jayod">jayod</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ron%20MarsHall">Ron MarsHall</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Packey">Packey</a></td>
<td>13</td>
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<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Pistonlove">Pistonlove</a></td>
<td>12</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/crazyj">crazyj</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kriz">Kriz</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Iron%20Sheik">Iron Sheik</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/alaskanpistonsfan">alaskanpistonsfan</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jacob30">Jacob30</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/grantlp13">grantlp13</a></td>
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<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rojo578">rojo578</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sabetodo">sabetodo</a></td>
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<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/V.">V.</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jacko7795">jacko7795</a></td>
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<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/subic%20sailor">subic sailor</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/drDrethemesong">drDrethemesong</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/RoverTO">RoverTO</a></td>
<td>5</td>
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<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lilbabyj32">lilbabyj32</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/awesome.hog">awesome.hog</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/TDP">TDP</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ghost%20of%20Dumars">ghost of Dumars</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BoogieWoogie%20M.D.">BoogieWoogie M.D.</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mort%20Neff">Mort Neff</a></td>
<td>4</td>
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<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Hypnowheel">Hypnowheel</a></td>
<td>3</td>
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<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Fadel">Fadel</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Joe%20Cool99">Joe Cool99</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SRK756100">SRK756100</a></td>
<td>2</td>
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<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/heartshapedhoops">heartshapedhoops</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/sld12">sld12</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Crosseyed">Crosseyed</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bugman222">bugman222</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/revken">revken</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/yelloweye">yelloweye</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jojo%20Tate">Jojo Tate</a></td>
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<td>52</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/-PS-">-PS-</a></td>
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<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/soufpaw">soufpaw</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>54</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SpursfanSteve">SpursfanSteve</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>55</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/The%20Boourns">The Boourns</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>56</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/detstones25">detstones25</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>57</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/thebeastman17">thebeastman17</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>58</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/apa8ren9">apa8ren9</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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<td>59</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rames">rames</a></td>
<td>1</td>
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</table>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/13/7386609/pistons-vs-suns-a-dose-of-daylightJason Brunskowski2014-12-13T00:19:08-05:002014-12-13T00:19:08-05:00Pistons win a game, 105-103
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HoT6weSopTWo5Y-p_Kmwnyd2eLM=/0x26:3576x2410/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44331156/usa-today-8267786.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In other news, pigs are flying and I have a girlfriend.</p> <p>Well it's about time.</p>
<p>After 13 straight agonizing losses, against esteemed teams such as Philadelphia, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> and Boston, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> finally managed to eek out a victory against one of the "on the bubble" Western Conference teams in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>. The Suns, now at 12-12, run a fast-paced game geared around using their lightning quick guard trio of <span>Goran Dragic</span>, <span>Eric Bledsoe</span> and <span>Isaiah Thomas</span> to pressure the ball and get out in transition. However, the Pistons, despite allowing 29 fast break points, never got away from their strengths and scored 60 in the paint to come away with a magical and rare victory.</p>
<h4><b>Player of the Game</b></h4>
<p>Once upon a time there was a penguin. He was an average penguin, he liked video games and selfies, fast cars and girls. But, this penguin also happened to be 6-11 and 280 pounds, and be kind of good at a human sport called basketball. So, disguised as a headband-adorned center called <span>Andre Drummond</span>, this talented penguin-beast hybrid burned all inferior beings before him to the tune of 23 points (10-14 FG, 3-4 FT) and 14 rebounds (7 offensive). All this despite only playing a tick over 30 minutes.</p>
<p>However, his friend the Moose didn't fare so well, despite being of almost equal stature, at 6-11 and 250 pounds. This gentle moose had 12 points and 8 rebounds, but most of his points were from the line (6-7) rather than the field (3-9).</p>
<h4><b>Comeback Kid</b></h4>
<p><span>Jodie Meeks</span> has brought light to the darkness of Motown. While Meeks was only playing his first official game for Detroit, he looked marvelous given the circumstances, finishing with 12 points (4-10 FG, 4-4 FT), including two clutch free throws at the end to stretch the lead to three. His paid skill, three-point shooting, was non-existent tonight, however, as he only attempted two-pointers, but his return opens up more options for a sometimes-stagnant offense.</p>
<h4><b>Game Tracker</b></h4>
<p>--<span> </span>The Pistons started slow, allowing the Suns to race to a 16-9 advantage, but a late rally including a <span>Josh Smith</span> steal and three pointer tied the game after one. Drummond had 12 and 8 in the first alone.</p>
<p>--<span> </span>The second quarter was all about <span>D.J. Augustin</span> and Jodie Meeks, with Augustin proving very aggressive, scoring nine to go along with three assists, while Meeks got his first four Pistons points, with the Pistons taking a three-point lead into the half.</p>
<p>--<span> </span>The typical 3rd quarter collapse was muted this game, with the Suns only taking a one-point lead into the last quarter. <span>Markieff Morris</span> scored 11 for the Suns, as the Pistons were held to 20 in the quarter.</p>
<p>--<span> </span>The last quarter was all about big plays for the Pistons, as well as a consistent offense. KCP hit a big three in front of the Suns bench with 1:13 left, followed by a Augustin layup, despite some aggressive Phoenix defense. Josh then missed two clutch free throws, before Dragic cut the lead to one. Meeks and <span>P.J. Tucker</span> then exchanged free throws before Drummond hit 1 of 2 at the end to seal the two-point victory</p>
<h4><b>Thoughts</b></h4>
<p>--<span> </span>Dre dominated early, and his defense without fouling allowed him to be a consistent presence in the game.</p>
<p>--<span> </span>Meeks looked like he'd never been away, fitting well in the offense and working well with Augustin as the reserve backcourt, perhaps a sign of a decent scoring punch off the bench.</p>
<p>--<span> </span>Jennings continues to struggle with his shot, scoring eight points on 4-13 shooting, despite opening the game 4-7 on several layups and basket attacks. He also only had four assists compared to three turnovers</p>
<p>--<span> </span>The Suns are renowned for bench offense, but their reserves were held to 8-30 combined, with <span>Gerald Green</span> (1-7) and Isaiah Thomas (3-11) well contained.</p>
<h4><b>Next Matchup</b></h4>
<p>Tomorrow night vs Sacramento. Can we go streaking?</p>
<p>Have your say below.</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/13/7386231/pistons-vs-suns-final-score-losing-streak-snappedBen Quagliata2014-12-12T23:58:48-05:002014-12-12T23:58:48-05:00Pistons-Suns interactive box score<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://stats.nba.com/game/#!/0021400337/">Pistons-Suns interactive box&nbsp;score</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>The 13-game losing streak snapper!</p></p></div>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/12/7386249/pistons-suns-interactive-box-scorePackey2014-12-12T20:00:02-05:002014-12-12T20:00:02-05:00Pistons vs. Suns GameThread
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<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Chat about the Pistons' quest for a franchise record tying 14th consecutive loss here.</p> <table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5" align="center" border="1"><tbody> <tr></tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">2014-2015 NBA Season</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3482853/detroit-pistons-logo-225.jpg"></center></td> <th width="20" align="center">vs.</th> <td width="240"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Phoenix Suns Logo" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vKGuioZtAKKoGaFTmlzq3p-4m7Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/4170967/SunsLogo.gif">
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<center></center> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"> <center>3-19 (1-8 away)</center> <center>Lost 13</center> </td> <th width="20" align="center"></th> <td width="240"> <center>12-11 (6-2 away)</center> <center>Lost 3</center> </td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Dec. 12, 2014, 9 p.m. ET</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>US Airways Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Fox Sports Detroit + /105.1 The Ticket</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><a href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=4292&awinaffid=173843&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketsnow.com%2FTicketsNow%2Fdetroit-pistons-tickets%2F" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Pistons Tickets</a></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Odds: <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a> +9.5</strong></td></tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Probable Starters</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Brandon Jennings</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">PG</th> <td width="240">Goran Dragic<span></span> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SG</th> <td width="240">Eric Bledsoe</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Kyle Singler</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SF</th> <td width="240">P.J. Tucker<span></span> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Josh Smith</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">PF</th> <td width="240">Markieff Morris</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Andre Drummond</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">C</th> <td width="240">Miles Plumlee</td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="center">92.0 (25)</td> <th width="20" align="center">Pace</th> <td width="240" align="center">96.5 (4)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="center">99.5 (29)</td> <th width="20" align="center">ORtg</th> <td width="240" align="center">107.9 (11)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="center">106.7 (16)</td> <th width="20" align="center">DRtg</th> <td width="240" align="center">106.2 (14)</td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" height="20" bgcolor="silver">Injuries</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><p><span>Jodie Meeks</span> (back - expected to play)</p></td> <th width="20" align="center"></th> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/12/7385349/pistons-vs-suns-gamethread-game-time-tv-schedule-radio-stream-oddsPackey2014-12-12T14:32:11-05:002014-12-12T14:32:11-05:00Jodie Meeks to make Pistons debut vs. Suns
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<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>For the first time this season, the Detroit Pistons will be at full strength when they take the hardwood against the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. </p> <p>Out since the preseason with<a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/14/6977109/jodie-meeks-injury-status-stress-reaction-lower-back/in/6741358" target="_blank"> a stress reaction in his back</a>, <span>Jodie Meeks</span>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a>' biggest free agent signing this past summer, is expected to play on Friday vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>. Meeks went through two full practices this week with zero setbacks, so <a href="https://twitter.com/Keith_Langlois/status/543092839307952128" target="_blank">Stan Van Gundy said</a>, "we'll run him out there."</p>
<p>"No expectations, no pressure on him," <a href="http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2014/12/detroit_pistons_notes_dont_exp.html">Van Gundy added</a>.</p>
<p><i>Yeah, we're 3-19 and desperately need to turn things around. No pressure. </i></p>
<p>Seriously, the only expectation is that Meeks will see some minutes vs. the Suns. How many minutes and when he gets those minutes are unknown at this time. <a href="http://www.nba.com/pistons/svg-pistons-i-still-think-weve-got-chance-be-pretty-good?hootPostID=78b1c8746068d69aca5ae91cd0a2f698" target="_blank">Keith Langlois wrote</a> that <span>Cartier Martin</span> is the one likely to lose his rotation spot as a result of Meeks' return. I would guess that Meeks will come off the bench to start, but I'm sure we'll have a better idea of his role closer to game time.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/14/6977109/jodie-meeks-injury-status-stress-reaction-lower-back/in/6741358" target="_blank">Meeks still doesn't know how he injured the back</a>, but what started as simply <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/10/9/6955167/jodie-meeks-injury-back-spasms-pistons-vs-bucks-preseason/in/6741358" target="_blank">a fear of back spasms</a> turned into an eight-week break.</p>
<p>Almost exactly eight weeks later, maybe <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/9/7360809/jodie-meeks-injury-update-pistons-christmas/in/6741358" target="_blank">Christmas</a> has come early for the Pistons.</p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/12/7382939/jodie-meeks-return-vs-suns-injury-backPackey2014-12-12T09:29:17-05:002014-12-12T09:29:17-05:00Pistons vs. Suns preview
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<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Will the Pistons finally win or will they tie a franchise-worst losing streak of 14? </p> <p>3-19. 3-19. 3-19.</p>
<h4><b>Game Vitals</b></h4>
<p><b>Where:</b><span> </span>US Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ.</p>
<p><b>When:</b><span> </span>9 p.m. ET, Dec. 12, 2014.</p>
<p><b>Watch:</b><span> </span>FSD Plus</p>
<h4><b>As Much Analysis As I Can Muster</b></h4>
<p>Bleurgh!!!!</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> need their own version of beer goggles, where everything will look better, rather than a flaming heap of excrement.</p>
<p>The Pistons enter the showdown on the back of their 13th consecutive loss, which came at home vs. Portland. As usual, we dug a very nice hole for ourselves before the "hustle group" extricated the team, only for said "hustle squad" to burn out and wither away, succumbing to a 98-86 loss. <span>Greg Monroe</span> had a usual team-topping performance, with 22 points and 10 boards, while <span>Andre Drummond</span> added 10 and 15 and Old Man Butler scored 13.</p>
<p>One thing about the Pistons is that they appear to play their best once they're down big, using the deficit as motivation. If they can find that mojo and bottle it for 48 minutes, those magical, yet rare occurrences called wins may begin to happen. Also, <span>Josh Smith</span> had his minutes mercifully capped at 21 vs. Portland. Hopefully a precursor of the future rotation.</p>
<p>Phoenix lost last start to Miami, 103-97, after leading late. <span>Marcus Morris</span> led the team with 25 and 5 rebounds, but more interest around these parts will be on a potential Round 2 between KCP and <span>Markieff Morris</span>, after <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/11/20/7253143/markieff-morris-claims-kentavious-caldwell-pope-does-not-have-any" target="_blank">some verbal jousting</a> spiced up <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/11/20/7255587/kcp-responds-to-markieff-morris-svg-wonders-why-morris-is-mouthing-off/in/7015448" target="_blank">the last encounter.</a></p>
<h4><b>Players To Watch</b></h4>
<p><b>Pistons:</b><span> </span><span>Brandon Jennings</span></p>
<p>BJ is in a massive funk after starting out so brightly. His field goal percentage is back under 40 after a string of terrible games, including an 0-11, as well as only a solitary free throw vs. Portland. His passing hasn't suffered, but it's clear he's still bothered by the thumb.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a>:</b><span> </span><span>Gerald Green</span></p>
<p>Can you say vertical? Off the backboard dunks in the halfcourt? 40 percent three-point shooter? Yep. Plus he's on my fantasy team.</p>
<h4><b>Last Time We Met</b></h4>
<p><b></b>Nov. 19 when the Suns won by two, 88-86, after Jennings' halfcourt buzzer-beater proved in vain. There was some side value however, with the aforementioned fracas between KCP and Morris. Jennings had 19 and 7 assists while Monroe added 18 and 12 boards. Bledsoe led Phoenix with 18.</p>
<h4><b>Score Prediction</b></h4>
<p><b></b>Stuff it. We are gonna win tonight. Smith will shoot 9-10 on jumpshots, Jennings will go for 40 and Drummond will have a 20-20 game.</p>
<p><i>Kool-Aid Prediction:<span> </span>Pistons 114, Suns 107</i></p>
<p><i>Real Prediction:<span> </span>Suns 118, Pistons 100</i></p>
<h4><b>Lineup Prediction</b></h4>
<p><i></i></p>
<p><b></b><i>Pistons:<span> </span>Jennings, Caldwell-Pope, Singler, Smith, Drummond</i></p>
<p><i>Suns:<span> </span>Bledsoe, Dragic, Tucker, Mark. Morris, <span>Miles Plumlee</span></i></p>
<h4><b>Injuries</b></h4>
<p><i></i></p>
<p><b></b><i>Pistons:<span> </span>Meeks (back-PROBABLE)</i></p>
<p><i>Suns:<span> </span>Thomas (ankle-probable)</i></p>
<h4><b>Community Question</b></h4>
<p><i></i></p>
<p><b></b><i>Which prediction, kool-aid or real?</i></p>
https://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/12/7381185/pistons-vs-suns-preview-kcp-morris-dawnBen Quagliata