The Detroit Pistons (21-16) defeated the Brooklyn Nets (10-26) 103-89.
The game featured a showdown between two of the more offensive-minded centers in the NBA, Brook Lopez and Andre Drummond. The two big men did not disappoint, with each tallying or equaling the highest score on their respective teams. However, the frontcourt undercard wasn't bad either, as Thaddeus Young and Ersan Ilyasova waged a fascinating battle of their own down low. When all was said and done, the Detroit tandem was able to claim victory, as the Pistons outscored the Nets 60-48 in the paint, and outrebounded the visitors 47-38 as well.
Lopez managed 19 points, seven rebounds, an assist and three blocks to lead the Nets' offensive charge. Joe Johnson followed with another double-digit scoring performance, pitching in 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Young was just a rebound shy of a double-double with 12 points, nine boards and a steal. Shane Larkin was a bit lackluster again in another start at point guard, contributing eight points, three assists and a rebound. He was outperformed by backup Donald Sloan, who managed a double-double off the bench with 15 points, 10 rebounds and two rebounds over 24 minutes, and might be making progress towards securing the top job.
Brooklyn fell to 10-26 and remains in fourth place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division. They head back home to face the Spurs on Monday night.
The Pistons were co-led in scoring by Drummond and Reggie Jackson, who each managed 23 points. The former added 11 rebounds, three steals and a pair of blocks, while the latter contributed eight assists and three rebounds. Ilyasova turned in one of his most impressive performances to date in a Detroit uniform, posting 19 points, hauling in 13 boards, and adding an assist, a steal and a block. Rookie Stanley Johnson posted a modest eight points, four rebounds, an assist, a pair of steals and a block in a start in Marcus Morris' (knee) stead. Anthony Tolliver led the reserves with a 10-point, three-rebound effort that also included a pair of assists, a steal and a block.
Detroit improved to 21-16 but remains in fourth place in the Eastern Conference's Central Division. They now await the Spurs for a Tuesday night showdown at the Palace.
