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Detroit Pistons: Drummond and Kennard lead to a convincing first win

By Joseph Wooley

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 23: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 23, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 23: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 23, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons spoiled the home opener for the Indiana Pacers with a convincing 119-110 win. They relied heavily on the performances of two players: Andre Drummond and Luke Kennard.

Historically, the Detroit Pistons tend to struggle in Indianapolis. This was just their fourth victory of the decade in Indiana—out of twenty-one games. In fact, their .211 road winning percentage over the last ten years is the worst mark against any other Eastern Conference opponent. If this is such a rare occurrence, how were they able to do it on Wednesday? By getting nearly career games out of their starting center and bench shooting guard.

Without question, Andre Drummond played one of his best games in a Pistons uniform. No one in the league had a better night, with the possible exception of Kyrie Irving (and his Nets lost in overtime). For the third time, he notched 30+ points and 20+ rebounds.

His 32 points were one shy of a career-high. Drummond was also eight for ten from the free-throw line, making eight straight after missing his first pair. Just as important was his defense. Whether he was guarding Domantas Sabonis or Myles Turner, he succeeded in locking down his opponent. He was the only player on the court with a defensive rating better than 100.

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Meanwhile, Luke Kennard did set a career-high with 30 points. Astoundingly, he needed only 13 shots to do it, making six of nine three-pointers. Most impressive, though, was his fourth quarter. He played nearly the entirety of it, actually running the offense for a good bit.

By controlling the ball, he was also able to get to the free-throw line six times, making five of them. Half of those six threes came in the final frame, effectively sealing the game for Detroit. After the Pistons picked up his team option this year, Kennard will be playing for a contract next season. If he continues to play as he did in the opener, he will command quite the payout.

This was an important game for both of these players. For Andre Drummond, it was a chance for him to be the alpha on a team missing a significant asset in Blake Griffin. Luke Kennard had the opportunity to justify his contract and demonstrate his ability to take control of a game despite coming off the bench.

At least part of the Pistons’ success this year hinges on just this: Drummond’s role as a leader and Kennard’s role in the rotation. Both players rose to the challenge more than admirably. What better time than against a Central Division rival?

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For the Detroit Pistons to compete for a playoff spot, it is going to take outstanding performances, such as what we saw from Drummond and Kennard. For these two, both in crucial proving points of their careers, this sets a positive tone to start the season.

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