This time, the Rockets are not shooting against the Pistons

The tone of the meeting was set from the first moments: it will be difficult, the defense will speak, and the battles inside will be difficult. The Rockets have already tried a little of this perfume the day before in Philadelphia and they take responsibility (20-28). Especially since Kevin Durant is still in good form with his award-winning baskets. The gap climbs to more than ten points, and it’s Detroit’s supporting cast that sounds revolting.

Ronald Holland II and Jaden Ivey allow the Pistons to wake up and catch up before the break (52-52). Except Kevin Durant has another big night and punishes Jalen Duren with two straight 3-point shots to the head of the Detroit pivot. The locals’ offense is broken, between clumsiness and turnovers, and the Rockets are taking advantage. Once again, we have to wait for the replacements for JB Bickerstaff’s troops to shake up the Texans a bit (72-86).

That was confirmed at the start of the final act with an 11-1 Pistons run. The public raises its voice and everything comes to life, especially because Alperen Sengun succeeds in the poster. Despite this heatwave, the Ime Udoka players kept control of the match and eventually won, quite logically, 104-111.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Old fashioned game. With only 16 successful baskets, we mostly saw the battle inside or mid-range. This encounter had the feel of an old-fashioned match, with physical duels near the circle, counterattacks (11 including three for Clint Capela alone), fouls and lots of hands going around hitting balls and hands.

Cade Cunningham missed. It took Tyrese Maxey’s speed Thursday night to destabilize the Rockets in the final quarter. There, the Pistons could not count on their leader, who was quite transparent with 12 points and 8 assists. He shot just 5/13, no 3-point shots, and lost 6 turnovers. He never weighed down the matchup, unlike his backups, Ronald Holland II and Jaden Ivey who brought the points and energy.

Alperin Sengun’s reaction. The author of an above-average game against the Sixers – he said his worst game of the season –, Turcin found his color in Detroit. Certainly hindered by the physical dimension of the opponent and not really present on the rebound (only one catch…), he scored at least 19 points and assisted the impeccable Kevin Durant with his 32 points.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=KG-1KVKKJ00

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.