The Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards 129-117 on Monday to show resiliency and unwavering effort in a season replete with unprecedented losing streaks, including an NBA record-tying 28-game slump. The Pistons have only won four games this season.
The most impressive player was Alec Burks, who scored 34 points, matching his career high, and helped the Pistons end a seven-game losing streak. Despite the difficult season, Pistons coach Monty Williams commended the squad for their unwavering dedication and spirit.
Williams remarked, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen our guys go in the tank on a regular basis, and we’ve had an unbelievable losing streak this year.” “Everyone is fully committed and eager for each other to succeed.”
Jaden Ivey added 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Jalen Duren chipped in with 20 points and 19 rebounds. A spectacular performance from Burks, who went 8-12 from beyond the arc, helped Detroit shoot almost 56% from the field.
Burks’s seasoned leadership and scoring prowess were praised by teammate Isiah Stewart, who also highlighted Burks’ reliability on the floor.
The first three quarters of the game were close, but Detroit took the lead with a 9-0 run in the third. In a game between the two bottom-seeded teams in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons increased their lead to 15 points at the half.
Shamet remarked, “You could point to a number of things.” There were far too many times when we neglected to pay close attention to detail. Our focus on physicality
“That sack contained him today. He was in his Goel bag, according to Stewart. “I’m glad for AB. He’s an excellent veterinarian. He is a true ball-scorer. Playing with him is so much fun. It seems as though he is in range each time he sets foot on the ground. He is the kind of player who consistently makes a variety of shots. And he stays hot once he gets hot.
Burks’ scoring spree was equal to his two previous career highs, which he achieved with Utah in January 2014 and New York in December 2021.
Jordan Poole and Deni Advija scored 16 and 12 points, respectively, while Stewart and Ausar Thompson scored 16 and 14 points for Detroit. The Wizards were led by Tyus Jones, who scored 22 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. The Pistons and Wizards had traded Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers to Washington for Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala, as well as two future draft picks.
Landry Shamet of Washington emphasized that the team’s lack of physicality and attention to detail was a factor in the defeat. In the closing moments of the game, Kyle Kuzma, who finished with 21 points and eight rebounds for the Wizards, was sent off after fighting with an official.
In the near future, the Wizards will travel to the New York Knicks on Thursday, and the Pistons will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
