Zion Williamson torches depleted Detroit Pistons, who stoop to new low in loss to Pelicans
The Detroit Pistons scored just 10 points in the first quarter — an NBA-low this season.
Things improved from there. Not enough to overcome the horrific start, though.
A severely-depleted Pistons team trailed by 19 points after the first and never got back within single digits the rest of the way, leading to an 114-101 home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. They committed nine turnovers and shot 4-for-19 from the floor — including 0-for-10 from 3 — in the opening period.
The Pistons were without a significant chunk of their core rotation. Eight players were on the injury report — Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, Simone Fontecchio, Quentin Grimes, Stanley Umude and Taj Gibson. Cunningham was a last-minute scratch due to left knee injury management on the first half of a back-to-back
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The offense came alive in the second quarter, as Jaden Ivey hit consecutive 3-pointers followed by another from two-way sharpshooter Buddy Boeheim whittled the deficit to 12. A midrange jumper from Tosan Evbuomwan shortly after got Detroit within 11 points.
But Zion Wiliamson (36 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) closed the half strong, waltzing into the paint on four consecutive drives to bring their lead back to 16, 57-41. After shooting 6-for-13 from 3 in the second quarter, the Pistons went cold again and finished the night with an 26.8% clip from downtown.
The Pistons were led by 17 points each from Malachi Flynn and Chimezie Metu, who signed a 10-day contract last Wednesday. Ivey added 16 points, and James Wiseman scored 15 and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Injuries hit as Pistons try to avoid being the worst
The 1979-80 Pistons currently own the franchise’s worst record. This year’s team is well on pace to relieve that team of its unfortunate legacy.
With a 12-59 overall record, Detroit needs to win four of its next 11 games just to tie the previous worst Pistons team ever. Even though there are several winnable games remaining, the Pistons will be limited by their lengthy injury report, as well as having just two home games remaining on the slate after Sunday’s loss.
Here are their remaining 11:
@ Knicks, 3/25
@ Timberwolves, 3/27
@ Wizards, 3/29
Vs. Grizzlies, 4/1
@ Hawks, 4/3
@ Grizzlies, 4/5
@ Nets, 4/6
@ Sixers, 4/9
Vs. Bulls, 4/11
@ Mavericks, 4/12
@ Spurs, 4/14
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Zion Williamson torches NBA-worst Detroit Pistons in Pelicans blowout
