Detroit definitely shows good things in these last games and took advantage of the absences of the VanVleet-Anunoby-Young trio to overcome Toronto in its den of Scotiabank Arena.
The Pistons took their distance at the end of the first quarter following a 12-2 concluded by the missiles of Jerami Grant and Cade Cunningham (18-28). Relegated to -12 at the start of the second act following two new baskets from afar signed Rodney McGruder (22-34), the locals did what was necessary to gradually return to the game, in particular thanks to the activity of the Barnes-Siakam-Trent trio Jr. At 3-points at the buzzer of the break, the latter thus brought the Raptors back to 3 lengths (57-60).
While they may have thought the worst was over, Nick Nurse’s troops were once once more battered by the aggressiveness of the Pistons. Cade Cunningham showed the way, and the Bey-Stewart pair followed, laying the foundations for a new run for Detroit, this time concluded by Jerami Grant and Hamidou Diallo to bring the gap to +18 (72-90)!
With the energy of despair and boosted by Nick Nurse’s second technical foul, synonymous with expulsion, Toronto gave everything to have no regrets.
Each possession became a battle, and with the support of its public, the Canadian franchise tried to reverse the trend at the last moment, without success. Pascal Siakam and Precious Achiuwa are back in warrior mode. There was also that little boost on the 3-pointer with Scottie Barnes’ board to come back to 94-98. But less than three minutes from the end, Detroit still seemed to hold the right end (96-104).
The 3-point from the corner of Precious Achiuwa and the lay-up of Pascal Siakam allowed the locals to maintain the suspense. But at 105-106, Saddiq Bey found the resources to drive and pass a lay-up in traffic to win, 105-108, Scottie Barnes’ last 3-point attempt not finding the circle.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Nick Nurse’s shot didn’t go far. The meeting was already hot, the actions (and mistakes) rough, and the atmosphere made deafening by fans already in “playoffs” mode. But Nick Nurse chose to add a little oil to the fire by ending up freaking out in front of the refereeing body to the point of collecting a second technique when the score was 72-89 in favor of Detroit. The Toronto players were able to react by taking charge followingwards and above all by raising their level in defense. The blow did not go far since Toronto had the ball in hand to equalize on the last possession.
– To the good memory of Dwane Casey. The Pistons coach still took pleasure in coming to impose himself on the land of his former exploits. The first coach in history to have been selected for the All-Star Game and then named Coach of the Year before being fired in stride in 2018, the Pistons strategist undoubtedly savored this new success on Canadian soil to its fullest. value, especially since it comes to punctuate a good series on the part of his team which remains on four victories in six games, that is to say a quarter of the successes obtained by the Pistons this season! On arrival, it’s even a “sweep” for Detroit once morest Toronto this season…
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Saddiq Bey. Already impressive in composure at the end of the knife game won in Charlotte, the winger shone once more by signing 23 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Above all, he scored the winning basket for an improbable lay-up that forced Toronto to the feat to snatch an equalizer. Practically flawless in defense in the last act, the interiors of the Raptors are still wondering where the ball might have gone…
✅ Cade Cunningham. The rookie also offered himself some decisive actions and signed a double-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds but also 5 assists, with, to spoil nothing, the victory to validate everything, not to mention a nice 4/9 of far, he who still has trouble setting the sights from afar.
✅⛔ Precious Achiuwa. Having become an interesting counterpart to Pascal Siakam who shone with his efficiency (28 points at 10/15 shooting), Precious Achiuwa alternated the good and the less good. His 18 points and 7 rebounds were indeed tainted by three important shots missed in the money-time. Three throws that might have changed everything!
⛔ Gary Trent Jr. The outside address seems to rest a bit too much on his shoulders in the absence of Fred VanVleet. And last night, the former Portland player burned his wings a bit in addition to stubbornly shooting, finishing with a hideous 4/23 in shooting including 3/15 from behind the arc.
THE FOLLOWING
Toronto (34-28) : the Raptors continue tonight once morest Orlando at home
Detroit (16-47) : the Pistons will also be back-to-back tonight at the Indiana reception
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