Game 1: Detroit Pistons 0-0 @ Indiana Pacers 0-0 Wed. 7PM

[Kabookalu]

I haven't seen Drummond play like that in a long time. While this highlight video isn't an exact representation of how he played like in high school (you would think he's the next LeBron James just watching it), it does show that he was more willing to show off his handles and perimeter skills.

Watch on YouTube

[dVs33]

I managed to catch the 4th quarter on my lunch break and it was so good to watch. Rose had a few careless moments, but he does so much to create for other. Kennard was awesome. Those two are such a good combo.
Watching Drummond play like that is exciting and also a little disappointing. I just wish he brought this energy night in night out. He was killing a pretty good centre rotation there. Hopefully he keeps it up.

[DBC10]

Rose has some weird careless drives and turnovers in the 2nd but he shored up real well for himself and dialed back in. Plus the man couldn't really miss either. There's really no excuse for Reggie at this point. Rose is playing with after 3 major knee surgeries and still keeps the tempo up.

Biggest problem going forward for all will be rest. Rose had a similar breakout last season when he literally couldn't miss from 3 but plummeted after all star break due to tiredness and minor injuries. Same with Dre, I think he needs more rest because he ain't playing 40 min each night like that, that'll destroy him.

[dVs33]

Rose has some weird careless drives and turnovers in the 2nd but he shored up real well for himself and dialed back in. Plus the man couldn't really miss either. There's really no excuse for Reggie at this point. Rose is playing with after 3 major knee surgeries and still keeps the tempo up.

Biggest problem going forward for all will be rest. Rose had a similar breakout last season when he literally couldn't miss from 3 but plummeted after all star break due to tiredness and minor injuries. Same with Dre, I think he needs more rest because he ain't playing 40 min each night like that, that'll destroy him.

That's a big reason why I hope Reggie can bounce back because rose needs the rest.

[El Chivo]

I really like Brown-Drummond p'n'r'. If Jackson is this, I'd rather try to improve Brown possessions, even if he's a little turnover prone.

[sludgefoot]

So yeah, are Rose and Kennard starters or do we just keep letting them feast on other teams' backup players. I'm good with either one as long as they still get more minutes than their counterparts.

Has to be some body snatcher things going on with Dre. He looked like a different player out there today. Didn't even look like a typical "big stat" game for him, let alone a typical game in general.

Why did Indiana have their backups in so Luke could hit for 16 in the 4th quarter?



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[rmfc]

Andre Drummond!!!
What a beast!!

[vege]

Feels bad for not waatching this game lol

[Neptune]

Good win, now trade Luke and Reggie before folks realize they suck!

Reggie sure, but I think there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Luke is ready for his coming out party and a break out season.

Why do you guys jump on the bandwagon when folks have one good game. Luke has shown what he is, basically SVG-type role player. He isn't a Piston type player, because he isnt a hard-nosed, defensive type player. Give that bum up for another 2-guard.

Shout out to my guy Drummond. We'll max him out this summer!

[MotownMadness]

My god go look at Dre and Luke’s advanced stats on the year lol

[Han Solo]

Good win, now trade Luke and Reggie before folks realize they suck!

Reggie sure, but I think there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Luke is ready for his coming out party and a break out season.

Why do you guys jump on the bandwagon when folks have one good game. Luke has shown what he is, basically SVG-type role player. He isn't a Piston type player, because he isnt a hard-nosed, defensive type player. Give that bum up for another 2-guard.

Shout out to my guy Drummond. We'll max him out this summer!

Nah. I disagree man. Luke played tough last night. He’s good with the ball too. Looks like a point guard with the ball in his hands. If Drummond has evolved into what we saw last night, he will get a max on any team he wants.

[thesack12]

Was at the game last night.

As a UCONN/Pistons fan, last night's version of Drummond is what I hoped/expected would be the norm. When Dre is engaged with his focus locked in and brings that level of energy and heart, he truly could be one of the all time great big men. His raw talent and athleticism can overwhelm opponents. As for this game specifically, other than a handful of times of him trying to go coast to coast after a defensive rebound, he was flat out amazing. His defensive rotations, closeouts, help side, and rim protections were all spot on for the most part. He stayed completely within himself offensively, and to top it all off went 8-10 from the FT line, which after missing his first two he converted his final 8. My favorite play of the game, was when Dre got blocked by Turner, but got the ball back then drove back into Turner with a pretty layup. What a game for Dre.

Kennard, had an incredible game. He was flat out stroking it, whether it be spotting up or pulling up off the dribble. I don't know what it is, but for whatever reason Luke always plays better and less hesitant without Blake on the floor. It has to be something mental with him. Because of this until proven otherwise, Kennard is much better suited off the bench with Blake in the lineup.

The stats won't tell you as much, but Bruce Brown had a really solid game as well. You can't really see it on tv a lot of the time, but this man's defensive effort and ability are a true asset. I lost count how many times Bruce's hustle back on D straight up halted a fast break, forcing Indiana to pull it back out and allow the defense to set up. Bruce is great at fighting through picks. His awareness on defense is uncanny, he's always where he should be. His footwork with his on ball defense is great, which allows him to stay with guys even if they are faster then him. Bruce's has all the defensive tools and potential make a NBA All defensive team some day. As for his offense, the PnR game between he and Dre can be really effective. Bruce is an under-rated passer, and is a solid ball handler. He can get into the paint consistently, he just has to work on finishing better. Bruce is probably never going to be a 12-15 PPG guy, but he can do some positive things on offense even if he never develops a 3 ball.

This is the Derrick Rose Detroit needs. He obviously isn't what he once was, but thats ok. This version of Rose, can be a real weapon of instant offense. He can still get into the paint almost at will, and is very willing to practice the drive and kick out game. He just needs some some shooters around him for that game to thrive, which is why he and Kennard are going to work well. Rose's game is a bit of a throwback in that he take a good amount of mid range jumpers off the dribble, but he's very good at it, so its not a bad thing. Its nice to have a guy other than Blake that can create for himself and others. And by golly its super nice to have someone who can get to that dang free throw line and create foul trouble for the other team.

Now for the downside... Thon Maker shouldn't even have a jersey hanging in his locker for future games. I'm not sure I've ever witnessed a guy have that bad of a game without committing a pile of turnovers and/or jacking up bad shots all night. Wow man, Thon was bad. Every damn time Casey put him in, Pacers would make a run. Thon is slow as molasses with defensive rotations. I ran out of fingers to count how many times he got dusted by his man off the dribble. Numerous times he would leave WAYYY too much room between himself and his man off the ball, leading to wide open jumpers. A few times he didn't even attempt to closeout, and when he did he looked like Peter Griffin trying to do so. I remember one time when Brogdon was driving unabated to the rack, and instead of Thon trying to contest the shot he moved out of the way and try and box out for the rebound, WTF? On the offensive side dude sets toilet paper strength screens, and rarely if ever looks to roll off of them. He'll usually try to pick and pop, which wouldn't be a bad thing if the guy could freakin shoot.

Don't know if tv picked it up, but Reggie was straight up gimpy coming off the floor at the end of the game. He was walking completely stiff with like 9" strides. I'm thinking he's gonna be out tonight vs. Atlanta

[El Chivo]

Glad someone else appreciated Bruce's PnR game.

[Snakebites]

My god go look at Dre and Luke’s advanced stats on the year lol

Haha. Looking at stats in the first few games is always fun.

They both have PER over 40 and Luke’s TS% is a comically high 84%.