Detroit Pistons outshine Golden State Warriors in a tight contest
A resolute defense and a formidable offensive prowess had got the Golden State Warriors to their best start in 16 years. They came into the match boasting a 4-1 record in the season, but succumbed to a second loss on the road to a spirited Detroit Pistons
outfit.
The game generally hung in the balance with neither team holding on to a clear advantage at any point in the match. The Pistons though, kept a tight leash on the Warrior’s offense throughout the match and turned the heat on their opponents down the stretch,
out-scoring them in the final quarter, to clinch their second win in the season.
The Detroit Pistons, who avoided their first 0-6 start since 1980 by defeating the Charlotte Bobcats 97-90 at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Friday night, were aiming for their second straight win at home.
The first quarter started on even terms, with both teams maintaining parity, neither willing to give its opponent an early advantage, but the Pistons increased their momentum midway, to outscore their opponents by 5 points as the quarter finished at 23-18.
The Golden State Warriors increased their tempo at the start of the second quarter and gained the lead with 8:06 to go, courtesy a Vladimir Radmanovic 3-point shot. Charlie Villanueva, pulled it right back for the Pistons with two consecutive 3-pointers
within a span of 42 seconds.
Both the teams kept clawing at each other right throughout the second period as the teams went into the break with the score poised at 49-45 in favour of the Pistons.
The Golden State Warriors started the second half with a bang as they sprinted to 19-5 run within the first 6 minutes of the third quarter to take a 9 point lead at 63-54. The Detroit Pistons though, rallied hard after that and managed to reduce the Warriors
advantage to 3 points going into the final period.
The fourth quarter opened with a Richard Hamilton 3-pointer as he scored seven points in two minutes to seize the initiative for the Pistons. Rodney Stuckey and Ben Gordon slipped in two crucial 3-pointers midway to keep the Pistons ahead, but the Warriors
bounced right back, as a Monta Ellis jump shot made it a one point game at 96-95 with 2:33 left in the game.
Detroit Pistons calmly converted their free throws in the final minutes as a nervy Warrior offense crumbled under pressure, continuously missing the target to hand a 5 point victory to the Warriors at 102-97.
Richard Hamilton led the way for the Pistons as he scored 27 points while Rodney Stuckey also chipped in with 21 points and 9 assists. Charlie Villanueva, who hit three crucial 3-pointers in the last game, to help the Pistons to their first win of the season,
was again in the groove as he scored 16 points, and 10 boards.
Monta Ellis had his fifth 20 plus score in the last six matches while Dorell Wright scored 19 points and 5 assists, but their endeavor was not enough to guide the Warriors to their first away game win of the season.
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