Andre Drummond had 23 points and 15 rebounds, helping Detroit to a 128-103 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night that included the Pistons’ highest-scoring first half since 1983.
Detroit led 76-57 at halftime, and the Pistons reached 100 points with over five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Nine different Detroit players made at least one 3-pointer. Drummond wasn’t one of them, but he scored his share of easy baskets inside as the Pistons snapped their five-game losing streak.
Atlanta has dropped five straight, and the Hawks allowed at least 120 points for the eighth game in a row.
Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin (23) is fouled by Atlanta Hawks center Alex Len during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)
The Pistons actually trailed 17-7 before going on a 20-0 run that gave them a double-digit lead of their own before the end of the first quarter. It was 33-23 after one, then Detroit overwhelmed the Hawks with a 43-point second quarter that ended when Thon Maker of the Pistons made a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
It was the most points in the first half for the Pistons since they scored 77 on Dec. 2, 1983, also against the Hawks.
Detroit led 107-84 after three and finished the game with seven players in double figures. Blake Griffin scored 24 points and Bruce Brown added 14. Markieff Morris contributed 13 points.
Atlanta Hawks guard Vince Carter (15) shoots as Detroit Pistons forward Markieff Morris (8) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)
DeAndre’ Bembry led Atlanta with 22 points.
INJURIES
Detroit is still without point guard Reggie Jackson (lumbar stress reaction), and Tony Snell (left hip strain) missed this game as well.
Atlanta was missing rookie Cam Reddish (left wrist sprain), as well as Kevin Huerter (left rotator cuff strain) and John Collins (doping suspension).
TIP-INS
Hawks: De’Andre Hunter scored 18 points and Jabari Parker added 14.
Pistons: Detroit had not scored 76 points in either half since the Pistons scored 76 in the second half against Washington on Feb. 7, 1995. ... Langston Galloway scored 12 points, giving him a career-best 11 consecutive games in double figures.
UP NEXT
Hawks: Host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.
Pistons: Visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
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