Oklahoma City Thunder come from behind in final period to pick up 92-90 victory over Detroit Pistons – NBA Recap
The Detroit Pistons were looking for their first victory of the season when they hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Monday night. The Pistons were 0-7 before the game and got off to a great start,
putting the Thunder under pressure and having a chance to take the game. However, the defending Western Conference champions had some other ideas in mind, and outscored the Pistons 30-17 in the final period to take a close 92-90 victory in the end. Russell
Westbrook had 33 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the night as he led from the front. Kevin Durant, the reigning NBA scoring champion, finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks as he ensured the Thunder took control of the game in the final period.
Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons in scoring with 19 points and 5 assists for the night.
The Pistons started the game with energy and confidence, not getting intimidated from the defending Western Conference champs and taking an early 9-4 lead to put the Thunder under pressure. A three pointer by Brandon Knight put
the later in the period put the Pistons up 14-9, but the Thunder quickly found their footing in the game and went on a 12-2 run to take a 21-16 lead. Hasheem Thabeet closed the period for the Thunder with two free throws to put them up 25-23.
A three point play by Jonas Jerebko early in the second period but the Pistons back up by 2 points, and a 12-0 run later by the men in white gave them a 44-32 advantage over a shocked Thunder team. However, the Thunder were not
to be undone and a 9-1 run had them back within two of the Pistons. The Pistons led 51-45 at the half time break, satisfied with their performance over the first twenty four minutes.
Jason Maxiell opened the scoring in the third period and Tayshaun Prince then scored a three pointer to put the Pistons up 56-47. The Pistons played a very good third period in which they continued to score and keep the pressure
on the Thunder. A three pointer by Kyle Singler had then up 68-57, and they closed the period on a 5-2 run to take a 73-62 lead into the final period, with the Thunder fearing a loss.
Down by 11, the Thunder gave proof of why they are the reigning Western Conference champions in the final period when they changed to fate of the game. The Thunder started the period on a 13-0 run, capped off by a layup by Russell
Westbrook to come from behind and take a 75-73 lead. The Pistons, on the other hand, missed their first 9 field goals of the period and allowed the Thunder back into the game. A three pointer by Knight put the Pistons back up 83-81 with 3:12 left in the game,
but Thabo Sefolosha scored two free throws for the Thunder and Greg Monroe committed a costly turnover on the next possession which allowed Durant to score a jump shot and take an 88-85 lead with less than one minute to go. The Thunder scored four free throws
and took a 92-90 victory in the end.
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