Detroit Hands Chicago Bulls Loss, NBA Roundup

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Published on December 7 2016 6:13 am
Last Updated on December 7 2016 6:13 am

By ESPN

In the long run, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson are going to be the most important players on the Detroit roster.

Tuesday, though, they were spectators.

Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy went with his bench in the fourth quarter against the Bulls, and they outscored Chicago 31-19 to pull out a 102-91 victory.

"It's tough for guys like Andre and Reggie to have to watch a close game down the stretch, because they want to be out there," Van Gundy said. "Marcus (Morris), too, but the bench guys were doing such a good job that I couldn't take them off the floor."

Tobias Harris, who led Detroit with 22 points, was the only Pistons starter to get his usual playing time in the final 12 minutes. He was joined by Ish Smith, Darrun Hilliard, Aron Baynes and Jon Leuer.

"Tobias was scoring and Ish got us 10 assists, but it was mostly great defense," Van Gundy said. "That group took the game away from the Bulls."

Drummond added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Pistons, who won for the fourth time in five games.

Jimmy Butler scored 32 points and Dwyane Wade added 19 points and seven assists for Chicago, which lost its third straight. The Bulls were playing their fourth game in five nights and struggled in the fourth quarter.

"We battled back from a 17-point deficit and took the lead into the fourth," Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg said. "That just takes so much energy out of you. We have to stop digging holes for ourselves."

Drummond dominated early, scoring 10 points on three dunks and two tips. Even when he went to the bench with foul trouble, the Pistons put together an 11-0 run to lead 36-21 early in the second quarter.

Rajon Rondo had 10 points in his return to the Chicago lineup.


Tuesday, December 6 Scoreboard

Orlando 124, Washington 116

New York 114, Miami 103

Detroit 102, Chicago 91

Memphis 96, Philadelphia 91

San  Antonio 105, Minnesota 91

Utah 112, Phoenix 105


Wednesday, December 7 Schedule (All Times Central)

Detroit at Charlotte, 6 p.m.

Boston at Orlando, 6 p.m.

Denver at Brooklyn, 6:30 p.m.

Miami at Atlanta, 6:30 p.m.

Portland at Milwaukee, 7 p.m.

Los  Angeles at Houston, 7 p.m.

Cleveland at New York, 7 p.m.

Sacramento at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Indiana at Phoenix, 8 p.m.

Golden  State at Los Angeles Clippers, 9:30 p.m.