San Antonio Spurs use 42-point third quarter to defeat Detroit Pistons

In a get-right game at home, the San Antonio Spurs dropped 42 points in the third quarter to solidify their win against the Detroit Pistons.

Without a doubt, this was one of the strongest all-around efforts that the San Antonio Spurs have put together in the 2019-20 season. In the 136-109 victory, San Antonio hit a season-best 18 triples on a 56.5/52.4/80 shooting split.

The victory was secured by the Spurs’ two leaders in DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge, who combined for 54 points. DeRozan made an incredible 13-of-16 shots for 29 points, eight dimes and five boards in 32 minutes of play. He didn’t make a three, but Aldridge more than made up for it by making 5-of-6 triples for 25 points, 12 boards and two blocks. With the duo playing like this, the Spurs could go toe-to-toe with any opponent.

San Antonio exploded out of halftime, scoring their most points a the third quarter this year with 42. On many occasions this season, the Spurs would begin the second half with slow scoring and lackadaisical defense. This was an incredible change of pace for a unit clawing its way back into the heated Western Conference playoff picture.

Last time these two teams met, fan favorite Lonnie Walker IV lit the Pistons up through garbage time. Head coach Gregg Popovich decided to loosen his grip on the sophomore and allocated 16 minutes for the young talent. This resulted in a hand-full of dynamic fastbreak plays including not one, but two alley-oop jams!

This kid is built different. Regardless of how this season goes the Spurs future is so bright with him on the team #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/XtNFivxuyu

— Air Alamo (@AirAlamo) December 29, 2019

He missed a few reads on defense and took a few questionable shots, but that’s in the young buck’s nature. Even the great Manu Ginobili played an oftentimes reckless style, but that kind of energy can surge a team chipping back at the postseason picture.

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This was an excellent performance top-to-bottom for San Antonio with every player contributing in one way or another. Defensive hound Dejounte Murray tacked on 13 points, five assists, four boards, two steals and two triples. He asserted himself and attacked the Pistons’ guards on both ends of the floor.

It was also a strong game for Bryn Forbes, who had 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting from the field and 3-for-5 from behind the three-point line. Alongside him around the perimeter was Rudy Gay, who finished with 16 points (4-for-7 from three), seven boards, a block and a steal.

Seven Spurs finished with at least eight points. The game was close in the first half with Derrick Rose (team-high 24 points) scoring with relative ease and Andre Drummond (21 points and 18 rebounds) double-doubling in the first half.

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San Antonio didn’t let that discourage themselves, resulting in a huge win. They have two days of rest before hosting the Golden State Warriors on New Year’s Eve.