Pistons Lose to Chicago, 111-101

Hussein Murray, Staff Writer

AUBURN HILLS, MI –  The Detroit Pistons suffered their first loss against the Chicago Bulls this season, losing 111-101.

Detroit blew a 13-point first quarter lead, and lost the lead by halftime. The Pistons had no starters reach the 20-plus point mark either.

Detroit was outscored in terms of bench play by 15 points; depth has been an issue for this team throughout the season, and it showed against Chicago. Despite the absence of Joakim Noah, Chicago received strong bench play.

Andre Drummond had a “subpar” game with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Drummond’s stats were overshadowed by Pau Gasol and his 31 points and 12 rebounds. Ersan Ilyasova also had a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

The Pistons made several key mistakes throughout the contest, include technical fouls from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Drummond. Drummond had a late foul on a heavily contested three by Pau Gasol, and it sealed the game off for the Bulls.

Chicago received strong play from Derrick Rose with 20 points, and Jimmy Butler posted a pedestrian 16 points during the contest. Butler finally showed flashes that he is still human, despite his recent stretch for Chicago.

Detroit’s starters shot poorly, but all five finished in double figures. Regardless, the bench failed to step up once again. Stanley Johnson and Aron Baynes led the bench with eight quiet points on the night.

NEXT UP:

Detroit will head to Houston and play in an inter-conference showdown on Wednesday.

Chicago will play against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

KEY INJURIES:

DET: Detroit is still in the absence of scoring backup Jodie Meeks, and point guard Spencer Dinwiddie also missed action.

CHI: Mike Dunleavy and Joakim Noah were out for the Bulls. Noah’s absence showed on the glass, as Chicago was out-rebounded 50-38.