JB Bickerstaff gives Tobias Harris his flowers after reaching the milestone

The Detroit Pistons opened their Western Conference schedule with a 109-107 win over the Denver Nuggets. In another collective team effort, the Pistons leaned on the veteran Tobias Harris late, with clutch coffees when most needed. Harris was able to shine in a monumental venue playing in his 1,000th career game. Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff praised Harris since returning to Detroit and offered more praise for his achievement after the win.

“It was a great celebration of a huge milestone for him. For him to play his 1,000th game tonight obviously speaks to his longevity. His ability to adapt to the game over the years, his stamina and ability to be on the floor,” Bickerstaff he explained to the mediavia Coty M. Davis. “So for him to have the professional game that he had tonight, to hit the shots that he hit when they were needed the most is just a compliment to his game and how he was able to survive.”

Harris had a memorable performance, leading the team with 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field in 31 minutes. The 33-year-old forward also added eight rebounds to help the Pistons.

Six of those 22 came in the fourth quarter, including a key jumper with 18 seconds left and two clutch free throws with two seconds left in the game. Harris had his say gratitude for the historic opportunity and how it contributed to the victory.

“I just took a moment to be thankful for the journey. To be able to be at this point with this group and be at this point in my career. It’s a lot of games. It shows a lot of work, a lot of dedication to the body and staying healthy all around. It’s a real blessing,” Harris said.

Bickerstaff often referred to Harris ‘security blanket’ of this Pistons team. While Detroit has had some rusty pieces on offense, Harris has consistently been a reliable threat at the position against the Nuggets. He talked about his opportunities throughout the game to help put Detroit in position to win.

“I’m just trying to get a good shot. Catching the ball in the low post and seeing at certain times that they weren’t double teams. I’m just trusting my work and my instincts all over again,” Harris explained. “My biggest thing is always whatever it takes to win, let’s do it. At that point, if those shots are the best look for our team. If they send a double team and we get an open three, I’m going to make that play. It’s really taking what the defense gives me and live with the result of it.”

Denver entered the game without key names like Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson and others. The Pistons entered the match without only forward Caris LeVert and relied on their team’s balanced offense.

Detroit continued its strong defensive production by forcing Denver into 15 turnovers. Offensively, six different scorers finished in double figures for the Pistons.

All-Star play Cade Cunningham recorded another double-double with 22 points and 11 assists. Forward Ausar Thompson and the center Jalen Duren each got 14 points from the starting lineup. Thompson was extremely effective defensively with five steals and helped hold Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray to 7-18 shooting from the field.