DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Tied at the end the third quarter at 86, Detroit couldn’t keep pace with Northwest Division Champion Denver scoring only 14 points in the 119-100 loss. Detroit continues to be short-handed due to injuries as only nine players dressed for the Pistons.

“A championship team is going to turn up their energy. We talked about that during the timeout. We didn’t respond, and that’s part of our growth,” said Pistons head coach Dwane Casey.

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Rodney McGruder led Detroit with 20 points while Jalen Duren had 15 points with 13 assists and Jaden Ivey gave 14 points. Seven of the nine players scored in double figures.

Detroit put together a strong first half for a 64-58 lead at the half. Trailing by one after the first quarter, 29-28, Detroit scored 36 points in the second holding Denver to 29 points. Cory Joseph hit a three-pointer with 3.1 seconds left to go up by six at the half.

Denver had a third quarter comeback with 28 points tying the game at 86 and then made a push midway through the fourth quarter. Duren had a dunk at 10:31 for a five-point lead, 91-86, as Detroit looked to stay ahead. Denver, though, went on a 16-0 run over five minutes for an 11-point lead, 102-91, with 5:18 left. With 1:37 left in the game, Denver moved their lead to 20-points, 115-95, as they went on for the win, 119-100.

Detroit will continue to stay at home and host Miami on Sunday night.