Detroit’s Andre Drummond determined, Pistons win

Drummond shot 10-of-13 and also had 11 rebounds.

Minnesota led for much of the first half, including a four-point edge after a back and forth first quarter.

Drummond has been one of the stars of the early part of the season, notching double-doubles in his first 11 games and averaging an incredible 18.9 boards per game. He shot 10 of 13 from the field. Wiggins has continued to improve adding 21 points per game to lead his team in scoring. “We did a little better job at getting him the ball in deep”, Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said.

Since surprisingly winning four of their first six games, the Timberwolves have managed to win only one of next six leaving them with a respectable 5-7 record in the west.

The Pistons had lost 10 straight to the Timberwolves (5-8), who remained winless at home.

Jackson had 18 points, including eight in the final quarter to help preserve the Pistons lead. “We tried to limit the spacing on the floor, tried to play tighter defense”.

The Timberwolves scored the next seven points, including four by guard Andrew Wiggins to get back within two but a driving dunk forward Stanley Johnson, a short jumper by Drummond and a long 3-pointer by Johnson pushed the Pistons lead back to nine points, forcing Wolves interim coach Sam Mitchell to burn a timeout.

He made both free throws and the Pistons were able to weather storm with Drummond and Reggie Jackson missing significant action in the first half because of foul trouble. Guard Ricky Rubio netted 12 points, his most since scoring 28 on opening night. Coming off a loss to the Lakers, the Pistons really needed to steady the ship with a good win and they earned the win over the in form Cavs.

“I just try to bring a few energy and that’s what I tried to do tonight”, Baynes said.