Hawks 114, Pistons 103
AUBURN HILLS (97.1 THE TICKET/AP) - Rodney Stuckey led Detroit with 22 points but the Pistons couldn't overcome a third quarter deficit losing 114-103 to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.
As heard on 97.1 The Ticket - the Pistons had a run in the fourth quarter but it was too little, too late falling to the red-hot Hawks, who have won five of their last six games.
Jonas Jerebko added 21, Greg Monroe had 15 points for the Pistons who fall to 22-37.
The Pistons were already without rookie big man Andre Drummond, who has a stress fracture in his back, and Knight's recent injury made matters worse. With Bynum suspended for striking Indiana forward Tyler Hansbrough during a game against the Pacers on Saturday, Kim English - a second-round pick in last year's draft - became the top guard off the bench.
Al Horford dominated both ends of the floor with 23 points and 22 rebounds for the Hawks.
The Hawks were without Zaza Pachulia because of an Achilles strain, but they shot 55 percent in the first half, including 7 of 16 from 3-point range. Horford already had 13 points and 13 rebounds by halftime.
Horford's shot from the baseline in the third made it 76-58, and Pistons coach Lawrence Frank took his second timeout of the quarter. It was no use. A 3-pointer by Smith pushed the lead to 24, and Teague's two free throws made it 86-60.
The Pistons cut the deficit to 14 and had the ball midway through the fourth quarter, but Teague's steal and layup made it 97-81.
The Pistons, who have lost three straight, all without guard Brandon Knight, try to reverse course on the road against Washington on Wednesday. Tune in to 97.1 The Ticket at 7:40 p.m. for pre-game.
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