Pistons vs. Nuggets’ bottom line: Bad start to second half proves to be too much to overcome

The Detroit Pistons couldn’t find their defense or another gear, and the Denver Nuggets took advantage as they beat Detroit 134-121. The Nuggets used a 47-point third quarter to effectively put the game away, though Detroit’s bench players at least made it interesting, cutting the deficit to seven in the fourth quarter.

This was a game, and a second half, that likely infuriated both head coaches on their teams. Detroit struggled with energy and execution all game, but was able to stay in the game because Denver’s defense didn’t struggle much. But in the third quarter the wheel came off.

Jamal Murray scored 21 points in the third and Nikola Jokic scored 12 points. The Nuggets were able to force their way to the free throw line 19 times in the quarter, making 16. A disgusted JB Bickerstaff relented and turned to his bench late in the third and fourth.

The scrappy Pistons bench decided to make the game interesting. The Pistons went on a 24-10 run in six minutes to cut the lead to seven points with 2:35 left, but that was as close as they were able to get.

The Pistons were led by 17 points each from the starting court of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Cunningham did it in 18 shots and Ivey did it in nine. Tobias Harris was absent, which is becoming the norm, and Isaiah Stewart had three points, four rebounds and three assists in his first game back after missing time with a knee problem.

Jokic had a game-high 37 and Murray added 34, while Michael Porter Jr. had a season-high 27.

The loss means the Pistons end their four-game West Coast swing 3-1. They return home to face the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.