Detroit Blows Past Hawks as Duren Proclaims Pistons the NBA’s Team to Beat
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The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons returned from a six-day layoff on Friday and routed the Atlanta Hawks 142-101, improving to 20-5. After the win at Little Caesars Arena, center Jalen Duren told reporters he believes Detroit is “the best team in the league,” according to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.
Pistons at full strength
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff utilized all 13 available players and said he now plans to run an 11-man rotation with no injuries on the report. “Being able to have everyone available means you can make decisions on rotations, matchups, switching lineups, trapping lineups—all of those things,” Bickerstaff said.
Pacers keep Mathews, waive Robinson-Earl
The Indiana Pacers retained wing Garrison Mathews and released forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl earlier in the week. Coach Rick Carlisle told the Indianapolis Star that Mathews’ shooting “changes the geometry of the court” and forces defenses to account for him. “If you don’t guard him, he’s gonna score. It’s pretty simple,” Carlisle said.
Mitchell’s fourth-quarter explosion lifts Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell scored 48 points—24 in the fourth quarter—to carry the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Washington Wizards 130-126 on Friday. His 24-point final period is the NBA’s highest-scoring quarter this season, topping the 22 points recorded by Orlando’s Jett Howard on Nov. 23 against Boston. Cleveland trailed by 15 before Mitchell’s surge against the 3-20 Wizards.
Source: Hoops Rumors
