Game Recap: Pistons 64, Timberwolves 59
By Alex Barutha, RotoWire
LAS VEGAS — The Detroit Pistons defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 64-59, in the first round of the Las Vegas Summer League playoffs at Cox Pavilion on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s contest was sloppy on both sides. The Pistons (2-2) shot 33.8 percent and committed 16 turnovers, while the Timberwolves (2-2) shot 34.6 percent and handed the ball over 22 times. Detroit took a commanding lead after the first half, 36-17, which included limiting Minnesota to just six points in the second quarter.
However, using a plus-eight offensive rebounding advantage, the Wolves were able to gain extra possessions and keep the game close. The third quarter went to Minnesota, 26-11, but the team couldn’t seal the game, losing the final period 17-16.
Bruce Brown led the Pistons in points (15), rebounds (11), assists (six) and steals (five) in what was a dominant two-way performance. Eric Griffin was the only other Piston to score in double-digits, recording 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field and going 2-of-2 from the charity stripe.
Keita Bates-Diop scored a team-high 16 points for the Wolves, while coming up just one rebound shy of a double-double. However, his performance was dampened by seven turnovers. Jonathan Stark marked the only other teammate to reach double-figures, dropping 10 points. Amile Jefferson showed off his rebounding ability, grabbing 15 boards in 29 minutes, including four on the offensive end.
Detroit will move on to play the Chicago Bulls in the second round. Minnesota will wait and see who its opponent is for a consolation game.
