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