Despite a 45-point night from Blake Griffin, the Detroit Pistons fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 123-110 on Friday at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Here are three takeaways from the loss.
1. Blake Griffin is back
For those who were questioning Blake Griffin‘s health, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Unless you’re the one who’s checking him at halfcourt.
Griffin shined in his return from a three-game absence, finishing with 45 points (on 11-for-20 shooting), seven rebounds, and three assists. He also nailed a career-high nine 3-pointers on 14 attempts.
The power forward carved up Oklahoma City’s defense in every way possible. Whether it was posting up on a smaller defender, or knocking down 3-pointers off the catch, Griffin was magnificent.
The Pistons needed every last bucket from their six-time All-Star. And it still wasn’t enough.
2. Foul trouble in the frontcourt
Both starting centers fell victim to foul trouble early on. Steven Adams picked up his third personal with 5:58 to play in the opening quarter. Andre Drummond (four points, nine rebounds) finished the period with two of his own.
Dwane Casey had to go with Zaza Pachulia (seven points, two rebounds) for an extended period of time, which invited Oklahoma City to attack the basket with ease. The Thunder outscored Detroit 64-30 in the paint.
Pachulia isn’t quick enough to slide over and stop penetration on the weak side. And to make matters worse, Zaza committed his second foul well before halftime.
Without Griffin’s heroics, this would have been a very one-sided game in favor of the Thunder. Drummond, in particular, can’t allow this to happen again in the final three games.
3. Guard play non-existent
Reggie Jackson (10 points, three assists) and Ish Smith (12 points, four assists) struggled against Oklahoma City’s punishing defense. They shot a combined 9-for-24 from the floor.
Smith forced a couple of bad layups that were quickly swatted away by Nerlens Noel. Jackson settled for some less-than-ideal 3-pointers that clanged off the iron.
Clean passes were hard to come by. Especially against a Thunder team that defends so well away from the ball. Still, Jackson and Smith must find a way to get others involved.
Brenden Welper 