Detroit Pistons (46-18) beat Brooklyn Nets (17-48) 138-100 on the road on Tuesday, March 10. The final margin was 38 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Pistons had the better start, winning the first 38-27 to lead by 11 after one. The Pistons kept the pressure on with a 35-13 second quarter, carrying a 33-point lead into halftime.
The Nets won the third 33-32 to stay in front, taking a 32-point lead into the fourth. The Pistons took the fourth 33-27; the Pistons finished the job for a 138-100 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Pistons took better care of the ball, turning it over on 8.2% of possessions compared with 18.1% for the Nets. The Pistons got more from their shots, finishing at 65.9% effective field-goal shooting compared with 51.4% for the Nets. Those extra possessions were crucial.
The Nets did win one battle, the free-throw line: FT rate of 42 against 30.6. The Pistons made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 96 possessions per team, the Pistons produced 143.8 points per 100 possessions to 104.2 for the Nets.
The Pistons' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 65-39.
Who stood out
Jalen Duren was the game's biggest individual force for DET: 26 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast on 9-10 shooting. His Game Score of 26.2 led everyone. His team was +23 with him on the floor.
Cade Cunningham (21 pts, 3 reb, 15 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Pistons about a 78% chance.
Across the last 6 meetings in our records, Detroit Pistons lead 5-1.
The Pistons are now 46-18, and the Nets are 17-48. The Pistons last five before this game: W-L-L-L-L.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.