The nerves of the fans Pistons have been put to the test these last two matches. If the previous meeting saw Detroit win at the wire in Atlanta, this time it is the Rockets who had the last word after an unbearable “money-time”.
Houston got the best start with an 11-2, fueled by Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, but the Pistons proved that they had resources, getting back into the game at the end of the first quarter, before taking the lead on a 3-pointer from Cade Cunningham then an 11-0 marked by arrows from Simone Fontecchio and Malik Beasley (31-26).
The pair Jalen Green – Fred VanVleet well muzzled, the Rockets rely on the efficiency of Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun to stay in the race at the break (45-43). They wisely bide their time while Cade Cunningham gains momentum again after returning from the locker room, like against the Hawks. The Texans then know what they are exposing themselves to and they respond with a “run” which helps them regain control.
A completely crazy end to the match!
Fred VanVleet comes out of the woods at the best time with two baskets, including a 3-pointer, to fuel a 7-0 which allows his team to take the lead. Tari Eason and Alperen Sengun took over until Amen Thompson's two shots two seconds from the end of the third quarter to bring the score to 72-64. Jalen Green then sends a message with a huge dunk on Cade Cunningham at the start of the fourth quarter, then the gap increases to +12 after another 3-pointer from Eason.
This time, it's up to Detroit to respond, which the locals manage to do on 3-pointers from the pair Tim Hardaway Jr. – Malik Beasley, then a left hand layup from Cade Cunningham and finally an “and- one” by Hardaway Jr. in front of Jock Landale. In the “money-time”, the Pistons launch the hostilities first with two “2+1” from Tobias Harris and Cade Cunningham, but the physical dimension of the Rockets ends up making the difference with baskets from Alperen Sengun and a snatched ball miraculously by Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason, followed by a dunk from Brooks (100-95).
Except that a 3-pointer from Tobias Harris and a 1/2 on the line from Alperen Sengun offer a final opportunity for Detroit to snatch an extension. Sent to free throws with 6 seconds left, Cade Cunningham made the perfect shot by scoring the first then swinging the second, hoping that a player from his team would recover the ball… And that's exactly what he did. pass, with Harris then sent over the line. Problem: the winger falters at the worst moment by missing the first, giving Houston the victory at the end of the suspense (101-99).
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– When Harris is Trump… He could have been the hero at the finish, with his 3-pointer which revived his team then this rebound and this improbable foul one second from the end. But despite two shots on the table to equalize and go to overtime, the ex-Sixer shook his elbow at the worst moment under pressure, missing his first attempt. The match could have gone differently, but it was the Texans who came away with the victory.
– End of series for Cade Cunningham. The Pistons leader remained in three triple-double games, a series which ended this Sunday, even if it was very close: 26 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Author of a huge mistake against on Alperen Sengun, in the same style as that which had allowed him to win against Atlanta two days earlier, he tried everything to reverse the trend at the end, like his second throw which he deliberately missed. All he needed was victory for him to be credited with another full match.
– The welcome contribution of Alperen Sengun. The Turkish pivot delivered his best performance of the start of the season when the Rockets needed it most (27 points, 10 rebounds). He was a reliable marker throughout the game for the Texans, even if he could have cut the suspense short by making his last free throw.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
