THE Detroit Pistons scored just 10 points in the first quarter – an NBA low this season.
Things got better from there. But not enough to overcome this horrible start.
A severely depleted Pistons team trailed by 19 points after the first and never got back into single digits the rest of the game, leading to a 114-101 home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. They committed nine turnovers and shot 4 of 19 from the floor – including 0 of 10 from 3 – in the opening period.
The Pistons’ 10-point first quarter is their eighth for example, scoring 10 or fewer points in the first quarter since the franchise moved to Detroit in 1957. (They scored a franchise-worst eight points in April 2022 against Milwaukee.)
The Pistons haven’t played much of their rotation. Eight players were absent: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar ThompsonIsaiah Stewart, Simone Fontecchio, Quentin Grimes, Stanley Umude and Taj Gibson.
Cunningham was available all afternoon, until he was scratched at the last minute due to dealing with a left knee injury. The Pistons were on the first end of a back-to-back; they play in New York on Monday night.
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The Pistons’ offense came alive in the second quarter, as Jaden Ivey scored three consecutive points, followed by another from two-way contract player Buddy Boeheim, who cut the deficit to 12. A mid-range jumper Tosan Evbuomwan’s lineup shortly after allowed the Pistons to get closer. 11.
But Zion Williamson (36 points, seven rebounds, six assists) closed the half strong, waltzing into the paint on four consecutive drives to bring the Pelicans’ lead back to 57-41. Williamson, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, finished 13 of 14 from the field and 10 of 14 on free throws.
After shooting 6-for-13 from 3 in the second quarter, the Pistons cooled off again and finished the night shooting 26.8 percent from long range (11-for-41).
The Pistons were led by 17 points each from Malachi Flynn and Chimezie Metu, who signed a 10 day contract Wednesday. Ivey added 16 points and James Wiseman scored 15 and grabbed 11 rebounds.
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Injuries strike as Pistons try to avoid being worst
The 1979-80 Pistons have the the worst record of the franchise at 16-66. (Last season’s Pistons went 17-65.) This year’s team is well on its way to relieving the 1979-80 team of its unfortunate legacy.
With a worst record in the league 12-59the Pistons need to win four of their last 11 games just to tie the worst Pistons team ever.
Even though there are several winnable games remaining, the Pistons will be limited by their lengthy injury report, as well as the fact that they only have two home games remaining.
Remaining piston schedule
- at the Knicks, Monday
- at the Timberwolves, Wednesday
- at Wizards, Friday
- vs. Grizzlies, April 1
- at Hawks, April 3
- to the Grizzlies, April 5
- at the Nets, April 6
- at the 76ers, April 9
- vs. Bulls, April 11
- at the Mavericks, April 12
- at Spurs, April 14
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