Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin was a no show vs. Hornets

When Blake Griffin is neutralized, so are the threat of the Detroit Pistons

Blake Griffin is having an All-NBA caliber season. He is averaging 24.1 points and 10.2 rebounds a game, but in the Detroit Pistons‘ game against the Charlotte Hornets, double teams held him to just 10 points and six rebounds on 4 of 16 shooting from the floor.

The Pistons without Griffin’s usual impact, struggled to keep the game competitive in the second half before losing 113-103.

Early on, the Pistons Reggie Bullock got off to a hot start by scoring 11 of his 23 points in the first quarter to keep the game close. Griffin showed off his point guard skills by constantly dribbling the ball up the court and throwing several nice passes. Andre Drummond did his part by grabbing eight first half rebounds.

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Tony Parker of the Hornets also got off to a hot start by scoring 12 points in the half while connecting on several 15-18 foot jumpers. His teammate, Kemba Walker, after a slow first quarter, started heating up late in the second quarter scoring 8 of his 10 first half points in the quarter.

A scary moment occurred when the Hornets Michael Kidd-Gilchrist sprained his ankle trying to block a shot early in the second quarter. He did not return to the game. Despite the loss of Kidd-Gilchrist, the Hornets went to the half with a 51-49 lead.

The third quarter begin with the Pistons’ Bullock still hot from the 3-point line as he connected on his first five 3-pointers in the game. The Hornets’ Walker got off to a hot start to help give the Pistons a 74-59 lead with 4:46 left in the quarter, but a Pistons run late in the quarter cut the lead to eight entering the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter began with Parker hitting a nice driving layup and a couple of 3-pointers. Later in the quarter, Griffin was ejected from the game after a Flagrant-2 foul call with the Hornets leading 98-79 with 7:06 remaining in the game.

To be honest, the game was over way before Griffin were ejected because it seemed like he was not on the court most of the game. The Hornets’ double teams caused him nothing but problems as he missed several layups and put-backs.

Parker and Walker were the stars of the game as both players scored a game high 24 points to help the Hornets get the win in Detroit.

The Pistons were lead by Drummond who finished the game with 23 points and 22 rebounds. Bullock also finished the game with 23 points.

Next up for the 6-6 Pistons is a showdown in Toronto against the Eastern Conference leading Raptors. Griffin, Drummond and Bullock must bring their “A” game for the Pistons to have a chance.

The Hornets won’t be able to enjoy this win for too long as two of their next three games are against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics.