Pistons’ Derrick Rose: ‘Gotta play smarter’
Pistons guard Derrick Rose said they ‘gotta play smarter’ after 22 turnovers in a 122-107 loss in Cleveland.
The Detroit News
When the Pistons weren’t turning the ball over, they were playing pretty well.
The problem is that they had as many turnovers as assists.
With a sloppy performance, the Pistons fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 122-107, on Wednesday night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
The Pistons fell to 4-14 at the quarter mark of the season, and they haven’t had back-to-back wins.
Here are some takeaways from the loss:
►ONE BAD TURN: The Pistons have had their troubles with turnovers this season, playing some sloppy games and giving away a ton of points in transition, while also hurting their chances because of giving away possessions. Against the Cavs, the Pistons had seven turnovers in the first quarter and 12 total at halftime. They average 14.6 turnovers this season, but having a higher number against the Cavaliers, who lead the league in forced turnovers, at 17.5 per game is somewhat expected. The Pistons had three turnovers in their first four possessions in the second half, which led to a quick timeout in the third quarter.
►MORE RECORDS: Jerami Grant lost his record of scoring 20-plus points in Saturday’s matchup and but restarted it Monday and continued it Wednesday with his second straight game in that streak. Grant also set another record, with 17 straight games with multiple triples, a new franchise record. The previous mark was by Jerry Stackhouse in 2000-01. Grant has been prolific with his mix of 3-point shooting and finding his spots in the paint to create other opportunities.
►ROSE BLOOMS: Derrick Rose had a good return after missing the previous two games to rest his sore knee. He got involved in the offense quickly, with a jumper early in his first stint and near the end of the third quarter, he hit a pair of 3-pointers to help keep the Pistons close. It’s been pretty clear that the Pistons are going to be careful with Rose and Blake Griffin, as they play a first half of the schedule that’s littered with back-to-back games.
►BEING CAVALIER: The Cavs aren’t the same woeful team that they’ve been the past couple of years. With the development of their young players and some good additions, they’ve turve into a playoff contender in the East, nearing the .500 mark this season. The emergence of Collin Sexton, along with a healthy Dylan Windler has provided them with an infusion of talent. The trade that brought them Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince will help them in the long term as well. Even without Kevin Love, they’re a formidable matchup in the frontcourt, with Andre Drummond and Isaac Okoro.
►FILLING THE BUCKET: Wayne Ellington set another franchise record with his sixth straight game with at least four 3-pointers. He’s been on a tear with his shooting, with seven, four, six, four and six prior to his four 3-pointers on Wednesday. It’s been something of a stunning development that he could be as effective as he has, both off the 3-point line and behind it.
►DRUM MAJOR: Cavs center Andre Drummond had a nice game in his second meeting against his former team. He was a presence on both ends of the court, with his defense (five steals and two blocks) and on offense, where he contributed 21 points. He’s found a nice spot for himself in Cleveland’s offense and with his defensive presence
PISTONS VS. LAKERS
Tipoff: 8 Thursday, Little Caesars Arena
TV/radio: FSD/WWJ
Outlook: Both teams will be on the second night of a back-to-back, after the Lakers played in Philadelphia. The defending champions have the best record in the league and have won their first 10 road games this season.