The Los Angeles Clippers staged a comeback to defeat the Detroit Pistons 112-106, despite a strong showing from the Pistons who were looking to snag their first three-game winning streak of the season, according to The Detroit News.
Detroit, having swooped victories in Sacramento and Portland, seemed poised to make it three in L.A., before their offense hit a wall in the fourth quarter. Despite pushing to a 13-point lead early into the third quarter, and the debuts of new recruits Simone Fontecchio, Troy Brown Jr., and Shake Milton post trade deadline. The Clippers capitalized on a commanding 36-25 run in the fourth to secure the win.
Pistons coach Monty Williams rued the free-throw differential as Detroit only made seven attempts from the stripe while the Clippers racked up 25 scores from 26 tries. We were a bit hesitant. The ball didn’t move as much. I thought we attacked the basket. We probably should have gotten a few more free throws. In a game like that, where there is that much physicality, we shot seven free throws. It is what it is. I thought we should have gotten more free throws than we got tonight." Williams told The Detroit News.
The game marked noteworthy performances from Pistons players both old and new, with Ivey leading the charge with 23 points and Cunningham notching 22 alongside 10 assists. Fontecchio impressed with 20 points and nine boards. However, the Clippers had their stars shine with Paul George dropping 33 points and Kawhi Leonard adding 24. "George and Leonard combine for 57 points in rallying Clippers past Pistons 112-106", CBS Sports reported.
"I love Cade’s game. He’s really good, he’s athletic, he's strong. That’s really where he’s going to be a problem for many years to come," George praised Cunningham in a statement obtained by CBS Sports. The loss drops Detroit's road record to a 4-21 for the season. George found support in teammate Amir Coffey, especially in the fourth when he sank crucial three-pointers adding to the Clippers' surge.
The Pistons will have to quickly regroup as they remain in Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Tuesday.
