Pistons cough up 23-point lead as Nets rally for stunning triumph

Detroit — Coach J.B. Bickerstaff called the last 14 days “a helluva stretch.” The Detroit Pistons spent the previous two weeks facing some of the league’s top playoff-caliber teams, including two games against the San Antonio Spurs. They finished the stretch with a 3-3 record, and each game provided Bickerstaff with a blueprint of what the team needs to improve upon before the playoffs.

Playing to the team’s standards for the full 48 minutes has been a top priority, but they failed to do so against the underdog Brooklyn Nets. Detroit gave up a once-23-point lead, resulting in a 107-105 loss at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night. While falling to 45-17 overall, the Pistons are on a three-game losing streak for the first time this season.

Advertisement

Nets forward Day’Ron Sharpe out-hustled the Pistons for an offensive rebound and converted with a layup. Sharpe’s basket cut Detroit’s once double-digit lead to four (103-99) with 2:30 left in the fourth quarter. A few possessions later, Nets forward Ziaire Williams nailed a 3-point field goal to bring the Nets within a point. He later connected on his second consecutive triple on Brooklyn’s next offensive possession, which gave Brooklyn a 105-103 lead.

The Nets went on to outscore Detroit 61-43 in the second half. Tobias Harris led Detroit with his third double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Duren, who played through a back injury, finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The Nets ended their 10-game losing streak with the win. Michael Porter Jr. led Brooklyn with a game-high 30 points and 13 rebounds. Williams added 23 points off the bench.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Pistons cough up 23-point lead as Brooklyn Nets rally for stunning triumph