Detroit Pistons Summer League: Detroit vs Miami

The Detroit Pistons played their fourth summer league game on Wednesday, where they fell to the Miami Heat 83-92. While the summer league isn't really measured by wins and losses, this game had coach Pat Sullivan so fired up he earned himself a technical foul in the fourth quarter. That stands as the only time I have ever seen a coach receive a tech in a summer league game.

From an individual standpoint there were a few bright spots for the Pistons. Mainly DaJuan Summers and Greg Monroe, with some flashes of good play from Terrico White and Marquez Haynes. Beyond those players it was hard to find much to like.

Monroe looked shaky early, particularly when guarding Miami center Garret Silar, a 300 pounder. Although it's only one summer league game this might be a recurring problem for Monroe when defending bigger centers. He doesn't seem physical enough under the basket to push big guys around, but he does posses enough finesse that he can make up for the lack of bulk, at least against summer league talent.

Monroe finished with 20 points on 6-12 shooting while grabbing six rebounds and blocking two shots. He had a very nice rebound and jam half way through the first quarter, and also showed some toughness on a hard fought rebound then finished with a great left hook shot towards the end of the third quarter. If Monroe can put on a little more muscle he can be a great asset to this team.

Summers also put in a solid game, gaining 20 points on 6-13 shooting while also pulling down three boards. The nice thing about how Summers put his points up is that he did it from a variety of ways. He had a few beautiful jump shots just within the three point arc, as well as one just outside the arc. He also had a brilliant possession half way through the fourth, when he weaved his way through traffic for a close basket and a foul which he sunk.

White and Haynes each had some good plays but neither one stood out much and both shot poorly. White went 3-9 while putting up 11 points and only had one assist. Haynes went 2-8 for ten points and two assists.
Haynes looked better out of the two, especially on defense, where he showed  a good amount of hustle.

Austin Daye and Jonas Jerebko both sat out this game. Daye sat with a hip injury and Jerebko with a hamstring injury. Neither are believed to be serious.

The Pistons play the Knicks Friday at 4:00 pm EST.

Video courtesy of  http://www.nba.com/pistons/index_main.html

Pistons-Blazers Pregame

The Pistons travel to Portland tonight to face the Blazers. After getting crushed by the Lakers' starters, Detroit is looking to rebound and steal a win here for the first time since 2005.

If the Pistons want any shot at winning this game they are going to have to correct a few mistakes from last nights let down at the Staples Center. First and foremost is their turnovers.

Detroit commited 17 turnovers against the Lakers. A lot of those came off of trap pressure on the Pistons' guards. The Pistons were unable to find the open man when L.A. would turn to the trap, and the Lakers used it judiciously, at least in the second and third quarters.

The fourth quarter was a different story when Kuester decided to play huge ball with a line-up of Will Bynum, DaJuan Summers, Jonas Jerebko, Jason Maxiell, and Chris Wilcox. On the backs of Bynum and Maxiell this crew closed a 28 point deficit to six with plenty of time on the clock.

They were unable to make the final push though, and came up short when Phil Jackson was forced to bring back Kobe Bryant.

If Portland was paying attention last night they will probably trap whoever the Pistons have bring the ball up the court. This could cause some trouble for Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum who have both had turnover problems as of late.

The Blazers have instituted a more guard heavy line-up this year, which puts Brandon Roy at the small forward position. This should work out well for the Pistons as they have been forced to utilize their own small ball line-up with the injuries to Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince.

If the Pistons hope to be able to compete on the offensive end, Charlie Villanueva will have to find his offense again. He only managed two points against the Lakers in 23 minutes. The fact that he only played 23 minutes is a little bit of good news in that he will be rested for tonights game, but two points isn't going to cut it when facing LaMarcus Aldridge.

Look for the Pistons to try and get the ball moving to avoid traps and set up their shooters, otherwise it will be another ugly game for Detroit.