Will Pistons' big experiment work in small-ball era?
Andre Drummond, 20, is averaging 13.3 points, 12.7 boards and ranks No. 2 in in field-goal percentage.
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The Pistons' 107-106 win Wednesday at Boston was an up-and-down referendum on size. The smaller Celtics burst out to a 42-23 lead in the first quarter by beating Detroit to the ball and to the basket. Their play was an example of why small ball usually prevails -- when one team downsizes, the opponent usually has to go small too in order to keep up. Before the game, however, Boston coach Brad Stevens wasn't sure whether the normal rules of engagement would apply against the big Pistons. "I've never seen a 3, 4 and 5 like it," he said. "I was saying to a coaching buddy of mine that they can post up at 18 feet with a four-inch advantage -- and they can do that against us at three positions."
Despite the Pistons' big frontcourt, they rank just No. 22 in defensive field goal percentage.
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The Headlines
Just six games into his return, Lakers star Kobe Bryant has been sidelined once again for six weeks.
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Rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. has been one of the few bright spots for the slumping Knicks this season.
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The Breakdown
Brad Stevens and the Celtics currently stand at 12-15 with a one-game lead in the Atlantic Division.
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