Pistons hand Rockets franchise-worst nineteenth straight loss

HOUSTON — Frank Jackson had a season-high 23 factors and the Detroit Pistons handed the Houston Rockets their franchise-record nineteenth straight loss, 113-100 on Friday night time.

Winless since Feb. 4, Houston struggled to search out solutions for Detroit’s ball motion and Jackson’s capturing. Jackson was 5 of 5 from 3-point vary and seven of 10 total.

“It’s been good to get out on the court docket and get a rhythm,” mentioned Jackson, who obtained his first begin of the season Monday. “I’ve obtained some nice teammates who’re unselfish, and we transfer the ball very well. It was enjoyable being on the market.”

Jerami Grant added 18 factors, Josh Jackson had 15, and Isaiah Stewart 13. Detroit made 14 of 29 3s in successful consecutive video games for the primary time since mid-February.

“It says quite a bit about our group of fellows —- we’re staff and we’ve obtained plenty of actually good, younger proficient males who can step in on any given night time,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey mentioned. “There’s not plenty of distinction in these video games, however they’re all dedicated to enhancing each day.”

The injury-plagued Rockets have been taking part in simply their fourth sport of the season the place Christian Wooden, Victor Oladipo and John Wall have been all obtainable. Wall had 21 factors and 7 assists, Oladipo had 19 factors, and Wooden 18 factors and 11 rebounds.

Having Wall and Wooden on the court docket on the similar time gave Houston glimpses of what the duo could possibly be able to if they will each keep wholesome. Within the first half, Wall linked with Wooden on a number of lobs and likewise made a easy over-the-head cross behind himself in transition to Wooden, who completed with a dunk.

“That was essential,” Rockets coach Stephen Silas mentioned. “We’ve obtained to get some continuity amongst the group, we’ve obtained to get some chemistry, and it’s tremendous essential for all these guys to play and play minutes collectively.”

Wooden was dealing with his former workforce for the primary time. Wooden averaged 13.1 factors and 6.3 rebounds in 62 video games and 12 begins with Detroit final season earlier than signing with Houston within the offseason. Wooden practically matched these averages within the first half on Friday night time with 13 factors and 6 rebounds on the break.

GO D.J.

Level guard D.J. Augustin and ahead D.J. Wilson, acquired by Houston from Milwaukee in a commerce involving P.J. Tucker, made their Rockets debuts. Augustin scored seven factors in 20 minutes, whereas Wilson missed two photographs in seven minutes.

“It’s nice to be right here — I’ve lived right here for a very long time and it seems like dwelling,” Augustin mentioned. “I used to be a little bit overwhelmed once I first heard the information as a result of we simply had a new child two weeks in the past, however once I heard it was Houston, all that went out the window, and I used to be very excited.”

HE SAID IT

“It was a battle of two new groups. My imaginative and prescient of progress was the truth that we carried over among the fundamentals from shootaround to the sport. That’s one thing we wish to concentrate on for the remainder of the season, specializing in using each minute and persevering with to develop.” — Pistons coach Dwane Casey

TIP-INS

Pistons: Dennis Smith Jr. returned from a three-game absence within the league’s COVID-19 well being and security protocols. Smith had 5 factors and 5 assists in 19 minutes. … Detroit was with out Wayne Ellington (groin), Rodney McGruder (elbow) and Hamidou Diallo (groin).

Rockets: Wall was charged with a flagrant foul on a second-quarter collision with Frank Jackson and later obtained a technical foul for arguing with officers within the third quarter. … Kevin Porter Jr. left the sport with proper quad soreness and didn’t return. He had two factors in 10 minutes.

UP NEXT

Pistons: Host Chicago on Sunday night time.

Rockets: Host Oklahoma Metropolis on Sunday.