By Kyle Soppe
The Kings and Pistons squared off in what proved to be a much more entertaining game than projected, as the home town Pistons won 114-108.
Piston fans should enjoy the 100+ point effort, as it is only something that occurs in 9.38% of their games.
The first quarter saw the Pistons score as many points as the 76ers scored vs Dallas last night (24). It was Detroit’s lowest scoring quarter of the game.
With Linsanity’s undefeated streak ending, is it time to start something new? “Teach me how to Stuckey” tallied 36 points last night, giving him a career high 84 points during their past three games. Over that span, Rodney Stuckey has made 29 free throws, also a career best.
Considered by most the Pistons top player, Greg Monroe has been anything but of late. On the season, Monroe averages 16.2 points per game, but has scored four or fewer points twice in the past four days. His seven shots last night were the second fewest he’s attempted in a game this season. For the month of February, the Pistons center has recorded 29 turnovers and only 17 assists. The most puzzling thing about Monroe’s struggles, is that it has an inverse relation on the teams success. They are 6-3 in February, and were 4-19 in December and January.
The pride of Kentucky, Brandon Knight, was largely responsible for this victory. His 10 assists were a career high, and he didn’t turn the ball over a single time. The low scoring Pistons average 104 points in games in which Knight doesn’t register a turnover. The 10 dimes were 47.6% of Detroit’s total helpers. He also drilled four three pointers, the same number of triples that four teams connected on last night (Kings, Knicks, Raptors, Wizards).
Tayshaun Prince continued his struggles scoring the ball, but that didn’t stop him from having an impact. He failed to make his lone three pointer, and is now 1/15 from deep over the past 12 games. On the other hand, he contributed a season high five assists and 10 rebounds. In addition, he swatted two shots and managed two steals (had no blocks or steals all month).
For the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins had himself another big day, as he recorded 26 points and 15 boards. Friday nights game was the fourth time in two weeks in which the big man has recorded at least 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Tyreke Evans didn’t get to the free throw line for the third time this season; Sacramento is 0-3 when that happens.
Jimmer Fredette hasn’t had the impact many thought he would in his rookie season. He did eclipse his 8.3 points per game average in this game, the tenth time he has done so this season. The Kings have only won one of those games.
Sacramento has dropped four in a row, but it is not because of Marcus Thorton. During the losing streak, Thorton is shooting nearly 48% from the field, 42% from deep, and 100% from the stripe.
Jason Thompson, a fourth year man out of Rider, played 30.5 minutes and led the Kings with a +1 plus/minus ratio.
The visitors shot 81.8% from the free throw line and 50% from the field, but couldn’t make enough stops to get the W.
Four NBA games tonight and 10 on Sunday … who do you want to see in a Box Score Breakdown?
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