Tony Parker helps San Antonio Spurs defeat Detroit Pistons 111-104
After losing to Western Conference title rivals - the Los Angeles Lakers - in their last game, the San Antonio Spurs returned to winning ways, as they thumped the spirited Detroit Pistons 111-104 at the AT&T Centre on Wednesday night.
The defeat to the Lakers in their last game snapped a 22-game home winning streak for San Antonio. However, with this victory they improved to 30-3 at home this season. The sizzling Spurs remained at the top of the Western Conference with their 52nd victory
of the season.
The Spurs were led by a balanced attack, as six players scored in double-figures. The 28-year-old guard Tony Parker displayed a fabulous all-round game once again as he finished with a game-high 23 points and seven assists.
Tim Duncan and Gary Neal finished with 15 points apiece, while Duncan also pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds for San Antonio, who have won seven of their last 10 games. Manu Ginobili added 17 points and five assists while forward Richard Jefferson chipped
in with 12 points in the victory.
Richard Hamilton, who scored 20 points and dished out three assists in the defeat, led the Pistons. Both Tayshaun Prince and Greg Monroe added 16 points, while Guard-forward Tracy McGrady added 15 points as Detroit slumped to their third defeat in the last
four games.
Match Analysis
The Spurs were excellent in the opening quarter as they shot a scorching 81 percent from the field, limiting the Pistons to a 12-5 rebounding margin only. San Antonio held a massive 40-26 edge going into the second.
The Pistons fought hard during the second quarter to trim the deficit but the Spurs continued their impressive shooting. San Antonio was further bolstered by seven Piston's turnovers, allowing them to maintain a 67-52 lead at half time.
The Piston came out strongly in the third quarter as they cut the 15-point half time deficit to 79-73 with just under two minutes remaining in the quarter. The Spurs on the other hand, restored their double-digit lead at 88-75, at the end of three quarters.
Detroit continued to play offensively to get themselves back into the game. San Antonio however, did not seem bothered, as they maintained a minimum nine-point lead throughout the final stanza.
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