Short-Handed Mavericks Fall To Pistons In Detroit
DETROIT (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — The Dallas Mavericks blew a nine-point fourth quarter lead as the Detroit Pistons rallied to win 93-89 on Thursday night.
Before the game, the Mavericks traded Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews to the New York Knicks in a seven-player deal. Dallas acquired Kristaps Porzingis, but for this game the Mavericks were significantly undermanned.
In addition to the players they dealt, they also were without star rookie Luka Doncic, who sat out with left ankle soreness.
Detroit still had its problems with the depleted Mavericks, falling behind by 14 in the first half. The Pistons were down 74-65 in the fourth before going on a 14-4 run. The game was close the rest of the way.
Up by three, Detroit fouled Jalen Brunson with 5.4 seconds left. Brunson made the first free throw and missed the second, and Drummond came up with the rebound and was fouled. A 53 percent free throw shooter on the season before the game, Andre Drummond, who scored 24 points and hauled in 20 rebounds, calmly made both shots to seal the win.
MILESTONES
Blake Griffin had 24 points for Detroit and finished with 445 in January, the highest-scoring month in team history. The previous record was held by Isiah Thomas, who had 442 points in March 1983.
Drummond passed Bill Laimbeer to become the Pistons' career leader in offensive rebounds.
TIP-INS
Mavericks: Dallas has lost four of five. ... The Mavericks fell to 1-8 in the second half of back-to-backs.
Pistons: Reggie Jackson had 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
UP NEXT
Mavericks: Visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
Pistons: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
