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00:00:00But hey, before that, the Boston Celtics here, they need to win tonight in order to stay alive here in the NBA Cup.
00:00:10Can they get it done and stop the streaking Detroit Pistons? We'll be right back.
00:00:16ESPN Bet is the sportsbook for sports fans.
00:00:19Lock in on big-time matchups, score daily profit boosts, and get personalized parlays built just for you.
00:00:25New users get one win, which is miraculous when you think about how we were talking about the Detroit Pistons
00:00:29just two years ago.
00:00:31Cade Cunningham has been steadying the ship through it all, Brian.
00:00:33Yeah, you know, I think he's got a tremendous amount of confidence that's been built up late in the game.
00:00:37Coach, when they're in trouble in the fourth quarter, they need a basket, they go to him.
00:00:40Leads the league, as we talked about earlier, but even more impressive from a team perspective,
00:00:45they're 10-1 in clutch games.
00:00:46That's the most clutch wins in the NBA, and for me, it also starts and ends in the paint.
00:00:51They dominate the paint.
00:00:5359 paint points per game leads the NBA.
00:00:55That's Cade, that's Durham, that's Isaiah Stewart.
00:00:57He gets seven baskets in the paint a game on average.
00:01:00Seven baskets in the paint a game.
00:01:02He's six in the league in points to paint.
00:01:03Hey, Malika, knock, knock.
00:01:04Who's there?
00:01:06A man-child, Jalen Durland.
00:01:09Jalen Durland.
00:01:09I don't think he knows how those jokes work.
00:01:11I don't know what I'm saying, but on his way, he's knocking at the door of being his first-time All-Star.
00:01:17Giannis, Carl Anthony Towns.
00:01:18Wants to knock at the door getting paid.
00:01:20Yo, Giannis, Carl Anthony Towns, y'all better lace y'all boots up and get ready to get y'all feet hot,
00:01:26because this man-child is ready.
00:01:28Averaging 20 and 10, shooting over 60% from the field.
00:01:31He's standing on business right now, and it's scary.
00:01:34And when you don't see young bigs like this come to the league, already physically ready.
00:01:40Boston's starting center is out.
00:01:42He better stand on business in this game.
00:01:43It's time to get you out to Boston and see if Detroit can extend their win streak.
00:01:48Hey, Mark Jones, take it away, Mark, my friend.
00:01:52Looking for the Kendrick Perkins VIP room as we welcome you to the home of the 18-time NBA champions.
00:02:00But you know what, the fans arriving at North Station and TD Garden a little bit more concerned than usual
00:02:05because of the Celtics record and this guy, Kate Cunningham, the leader of the hottest team in the NBA right now.
00:02:12He's having an MVP-type season.
00:02:14Jalen Brown, though, folks, been there, done that.
00:02:17NBA Finals MVP and the curator of Celtics culture right now hovering around .500.
00:02:24Welcome, everyone, to NBA Courtside, presented by Michelob Ultra, a pivotal game in Group B in the Emirates NBA Cup.
00:02:31A win for Detroit, and they say undefeated, a loss for Boston.
00:02:37They are officially eliminated.
00:02:40Hello, everybody.
00:02:41I'm Mark Jones, Courtside, along with Stephanie White.
00:02:43Alyssa Lang joining us in just a moment.
00:02:45Hey, two years ago, partner, Detroit was in the midst of a historic losing streak.
00:02:50But two years later now, they've won 13 in a row, and all signs are pointing up for them.
00:02:55They sure are.
00:02:56I mean, this is a group that's connected.
00:02:57They're playing together on both ends of the floor.
00:02:59Of course, it starts on the defensive end.
00:03:01But in this 13-game win streak, they've had key guys who have missed games.
00:03:05That has resulted in seven different starting lineups for this group.
00:03:10But the quality of depth has been on full display.
00:03:13They are still outscoring opponents by double figures.
00:03:16This is a group that doesn't get too high.
00:03:18They don't get too low.
00:03:19They don't think they've arrived.
00:03:20They're humble and they're hungry.
00:03:21And they're led by this young man in Cade Cunningham.
00:03:23Yeah, Cade Cunningham, the guy that sets the temperature of the room, Alyssa, doesn't he?
00:03:27Well, we want to apologize for the technical difficulties with Alyssa's microphone.
00:03:52But we can tell you that the combination of Duren and Cunningham has been one of the most potent ones the entire season for the Pistons.
00:04:01Let's switch gears and talk about the Boston Celtics now.
00:04:06They come in hovering around .500.
00:04:08Jalen Brown has pretty much been a co-star alongside Jason Tatum his entire time here in Boston.
00:04:14But right now, Stephanie, the spotlight shining brightly and solely on him, and he's responding.
00:04:20It sure does.
00:04:21I mean, this is a guy who's averaging career highs right now in terms of points a game, field goal percentage, and usage rate.
00:04:27And he has risen to this challenge.
00:04:29The Celtics rely heavily on him on the offensive end, not just to be a shot maker, but to also be a shot creator.
00:04:35Jalen Brown shooting a career high from the field and scoring at a prolific rate.
00:04:41We'll be back with the opening tip on the other side of this break after countdown.
00:04:49NBA Courtside is presented by Michelob Ultra Zero.
00:04:53Zero alcohol, just 29 calories.
00:04:57Welcome back to NBA Courtside, presented by Michelob Ultra.
00:05:03Welcome back to the Kendrick Perkins VIP Lounge.
00:05:05But, hey, here, the Detroit Pistons have experienced quite the turnaround.
00:05:10A lot can change in two years, huh?
00:05:12On this date in 2023, 13 straight losses.
00:05:15On November 24th, 2025, fast forward, and they have won 13 straight, now looking for 14.
00:05:21Hey, Brian Windhorst, there's not that often still Detroit's earning the respect that they're on national TV.
00:05:26We're going to get them in more games, but what are folks going to be looking for?
00:05:29Yeah, they play old-school basketball.
00:05:30They're going to go inside, and they have to go inside tonight.
00:05:33Neemus Keita, who's actually one of the good stories in the whole Eastern Conference, has a great defender for the Celtics.
00:05:38Sprained his ankle.
00:05:39The lane is going to be open for them.
00:05:41They're starting.
00:05:41Luka goes Garza.
00:05:43And then on the Boston side.
00:05:44Jalen Brown.
00:05:44People say gap year.
00:05:45You think it's a gap year for Jalen Brown?
00:05:47No.
00:05:47He's bringing it.
00:05:48He had 41 points in the first meeting against Detroit, and he's already had four 35-point games,
00:05:54and he had four of those all of last year.
00:05:56Tatum out.
00:05:57Porzingis gone.
00:05:59Holiday gone.
00:05:59He doesn't care.
00:06:00He's stepping up, and he's producing at a high level.
00:06:02And he is.
00:06:03Derek White is still there, and he's been a disappointment.
00:06:05All time blows for us having this Celtic uniform on.
00:06:10Time to get you out to tip off.
00:06:11Welcome to the Emirates NBA Cup.
00:06:19There's a palpable buzz.
00:06:21It brings a whole new element of excitement.
00:06:24Got another game.
00:06:26Stop playing with me.
00:06:28Six teams, all looking to unite afloat.
00:06:32Jump off the porch and I float.
00:06:34They're the hottest team in the NBA.
00:06:36Jalen Brown can't miss.
00:06:38That gets the crowd on its feet.
00:06:40Yeah!
00:06:41That was it.
00:06:42Cold.
00:06:43Love it.
00:06:45Razzle Dabble want to play.
00:06:46Hurry.
00:06:47It's good.
00:06:48Boom!
00:06:49All right.
00:06:50Stop playing with me.
00:06:52Stop playing with me.
00:06:54Stop playing with me.
00:06:56I'm ready to play or don't come at home.
00:06:58It's the spark that lays a path.
00:07:01A little bit more is that steak to sleaze about.
00:07:03Tonight is the Emirates NBA Cup on ESPN.
00:07:07Don't you try to downplay my name.
00:07:09Stop playing with me.
00:07:10Welcome, everyone, to NBA Wednesday, presented by State Farm.
00:07:18Part of PlayStation 5 Thanksgiving Eve special.
00:07:24TD Garden here in Boston, the backdrop for this pivotal and critical Emirates NBA Cup contest between the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons.
00:07:35As we take a look at tonight's starting lineups brought to you by Royal Caribbean.
00:07:40First up for the home team, Luka Garza making his first start of the season for the Celtics in place of Namias Kata.
00:07:46Meanwhile, for the Pistons, it'll be the same starting five, Cunningham, Robinson, Thompson, Harris, and Jalen Durham, one of the few players in the NBA.
00:07:56Just a handful of them that average 20 and 10.
00:08:01It's the second meeting of the season between these two teams.
00:08:05Detroit winning the first one three games into the regular season back in late October.
00:08:10We alluded to the fact a little bit earlier that it's amazing, Stephanie, that Kate Cunningham and the Pistons have been able to maintain this winning streak and momentum with all the moving parts to it.
00:08:23This is a group that's committed to one another.
00:08:26This is a group that understands meeting the moment.
00:08:29And Pistons will bring it across.
00:08:46It'll be Cunningham guarded by Walsh, one of their better on-ball defenders.
00:08:50Harris, Robinson, got Brown in the air.
00:09:00Harris fires from the wing, left it on the front rim, and the Celtics get the opening stop.
00:09:06In the first meeting between these two teams, Brown had eight points in the first two and a half minutes of the game.
00:09:13And that time knocked away, well defended by Asar Thompson.
00:09:16That's what he does.
00:09:16Folks, you're looking at potentially an all-NBA defensive player, right, Stephanie and Asar Thompson.
00:09:23There's no question about him.
00:09:24His length, his athleticism, his ability to be disruptive, get deflections.
00:09:29Sets the tone on the defensive end for this much-improved Pistons team.
00:09:32A team that is top five in defensive rating on the season.
00:09:38One team foul against the Celtics.
00:09:42Cunningham will bring it up.
00:09:43That foul against Brown.
00:09:49Cunningham has been much more proficient this year in walking guys down into the post.
00:09:54Second side action.
00:09:55Robinson knocks down the corner three.
00:09:57Duncan Robinson, after seven years in Miami, over in Detroit now, but brings that 40% career three-point shooting mark with him.
00:10:09Garves on the keep action over to Pritchard.
00:10:13Sprays it out to Walsh.
00:10:16And rebounded by Durin.
00:10:18One and done for the Celtics.
00:10:19Detroit, middle of the pack when it comes to pace.
00:10:25Cunningham.
00:10:27Sprays it out to Harris with a catch and shoot.
00:10:30And he overcooked that one out of bounds.
00:10:32It'll come back Boston basketball.
00:10:35This is a team in Detroit that likes to get paint touches early in the ballgame.
00:10:38Right now, the Celtics are forcing them to hit and shoot contested threes.
00:10:44Derek Wright in the frontcourt trying to shoot himself out of his slump.
00:10:49Thompson all over Pritchard.
00:10:56Pritchard around Durin.
00:10:58Into the corner, White.
00:11:00That one halfway down and out.
00:11:02Rebounded.
00:11:02Another opportunity for Pritchard.
00:11:05White relocates other corner.
00:11:070 for 2 on this trip.
00:11:09Walsh misses.
00:11:11And finally cleared by Cunningham.
00:11:13The leak out to Durin.
00:11:15And room service at the other end for Detroit.
00:11:17This is going to be one of the things the Celtics have to be aware of.
00:11:22Those long shots, long rebounds.
00:11:23They feed into what Detroit wants to do in terms of playing with pace, getting up and down the floor.
00:11:28Brown on the cross.
00:11:29Missed the lefty lane.
00:11:31Especially drew the contact.
00:11:32Will go to the free throw line for a couple of shots.
00:11:35The first time these two teams met, Detroit lived at the line.
00:11:4032 of 36 from the free throw line.
00:11:42Defending without Fallon.
00:11:43Not getting easy opportunities.
00:11:45But Jalen Brown on the other end has been one of the best at attacking the rim and getting to the free throw line as well.
00:11:50Really leading into his leadership role this year with the absence of Jason Tatum.
00:11:56Knocks down the first free throw.
00:11:57So his scoring is up a couple of points at almost 28 points per game.
00:12:02And what we're learning is if Jalen Brown can play so many different styles, Stephanie, of basketball.
00:12:10Doesn't matter who's on the floor with him.
00:12:12His scoring is up.
00:12:13His efficiency is up.
00:12:14And he's the head of the snake.
00:12:15Every defense is trying to get the ball out of his hands.
00:12:20And he's still doing it at a high cliff.
00:12:23Cunningham into the front court.
00:12:25Walsh trying to stick him.
00:12:26Cunningham misses with the left and rebounded by Boston.
00:12:31Here's Brown in transition.
00:12:33Puts his head down.
00:12:34Got it blocked and recovered by Harris.
00:12:36But it comes out to White.
00:12:4010 on the shot clock.
00:12:41Out to Pritchard.
00:12:43Brown likes this matchup against Duncan Robinson.
00:12:48They tilt the floor with Duran.
00:12:50And he got Robinson in the air to draw the foul.
00:12:54A savvy, cagey mood.
00:12:56And moved by Jalen Brown.
00:12:58He's so good at that, Mark.
00:12:59I mean, his body control, his ability to use the subtleties, the shot fake.
00:13:04I mean, look, he's attacking right there.
00:13:05He knows he doesn't have an advantage.
00:13:07But the little head and shoulder fake gets Duncan Robinson off balance and goes right into him.
00:13:12Brown is 77% foul shooter.
00:13:15It was important to him to be here this summer when all the rookies arrived
00:13:18for training camp.
00:13:20He usually takes an exotic vacation overseas somewhere.
00:13:23Time now for tonight's national TV brought to you by PlayStation 5.
00:13:28Here's a look at the schedule.
00:13:29Friday on Prime Video.
00:13:31It's Bucks-Knicks at 7.30 p.m. Eastern, followed by Mavericks-Lakers at 10 p.m.
00:13:36And Saturday on NBA TV, Celtics-Timberwolves at 5 p.m. Eastern, followed by Pelicans-Warriors at 8.30.
00:13:41For more of these games, please go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
00:13:46Just underway here at TD Garden.
00:13:49Mark Jones, Stephanie White, Alyssa Lang courtside.
00:13:52Turin off the elbow working against Garza.
00:13:55They've given him the freedom to do more off the bounce.
00:13:58That time, he got it blocked by Walsh.
00:14:02Detroit back defensively in transition.
00:14:05Pritchard finds Brown.
00:14:06Walsh tries another three, and he races it.
00:14:15This is the playmaking, the shot creating that Jalen Brown does.
00:14:18The dribble punch.
00:14:19They're going to challenge Jordan Walsh to consistently knock down those shots.
00:14:23And he did that time as Thompson gets fouls at the other end.
00:14:27Off the nice dime drop by Jalen Durham.
00:14:30I mean, this is going to be the growth for Jordan Walsh.
00:14:32He's relied upon heavily on the defensive end.
00:14:34They're going to challenge him to make shots.
00:14:36Jordan Brown makes the right play, the right read.
00:14:39And Walsh knocks it down with confidence.
00:14:41Jordan Walsh actually started the last five games now after being out of the rotation early on.
00:14:47It's been a fluid rotation, especially early for Joe Mazzoula,
00:14:52trying to find the right combinations in the absence of Jason Tatum.
00:14:56But he's one quick to say that he's embracing the chaos that the year will bring and along for the ride.
00:15:04Think about all the pieces that have changed for Boston this year.
00:15:07And it is.
00:15:08They're trying to find their identity, find out what they do best,
00:15:11what combinations of players play well together,
00:15:14what can give them the best result and most consistency.
00:15:16Boston up by one.
00:15:23Garza flips the screen for White, working against Robinson.
00:15:29Good closeout by Thompson, and Azar Thompson has already forced two turnovers, Stephanie.
00:15:35And that length on Peyton Pritchard, I mean, he's going to use that length to his advantage.
00:15:39Again, he's one of the top in the league, second in the league in terms of deflection,
00:15:42just able to get his hand on it and create another opportunity for his team.
00:15:46Duran on the short, roll out to Robinson for three.
00:15:51Walsh hustling for the rebound.
00:15:53Thompson there, out of bounds.
00:15:55It'll be Boston basketball.
00:15:58And Thompson with full-court pressure, so Pritchard wisely gives it to Derek White.
00:16:04You know, you speak to a lot of guards around the NBA.
00:16:06They'll tell you, and they've told me that that's the one guy they don't want pressing up on them full-court.
00:16:11As Brown launches the three, Thompson everywhere with the defensive board.
00:16:16Duran was posted up.
00:16:21It goes cross-court to Cunningham.
00:16:23Duran's got a mismatch with Brown on him.
00:16:26Had it partially blocked, and Cade Cunningham will get two foul shots.
00:16:30But what a job by Jalen Brown.
00:16:31Using his body, trying to get in front, not allowing easy pass opportunity.
00:16:35This is a short-piston team that loves to play from the inside end.
00:16:39Loves to pound it inside the paint.
00:16:41That was great work on the defensive end.
00:16:43Second foul on White.
00:16:44Stephanie, let's be honest, that looked like a sumo wrestling match.
00:16:47It sure did.
00:16:48Underneath between Brown and Duran.
00:16:51My money's on Duran just by a little bit.
00:16:53It's coming out, knocks down the free throw.
00:16:55Houser will come into the ballgame for White, who just picked up his second team foul.
00:17:01Sam Houser coming off a 14-point night against Orlando a couple of evenings ago in 21 minutes,
00:17:08averaging seven points per game this year.
00:17:12Cade Cunningham in the MVP conversation.
00:17:15He has been brilliant this year at both ends of the floor.
00:17:23There's that full-court pressure by Thompson on Pritchard.
00:17:27Off the flare, Brown rims out to Thompson with another rebound.
00:17:33Big hit ahead, a little bit too high for Duran.
00:17:37Brown in transition.
00:17:40Spins on Harris, spits it out to Garza for three.
00:17:44You're just joining us, Boston, without Namiya Skata, their usual starting center.
00:17:54Duncan Robinson from deep, got it.
00:18:00That's what Duncan Robinson does, his ability to stretch the floor,
00:18:04his winning pedigree coming from Miami to this young Detroit Pistons team
00:18:08and gives them an added weapon.
00:18:09He's really enjoyed the culture that the Pistons have established in the short time.
00:18:16There's part of the culture right there, Duran.
00:18:19Folks, the young with those big biceps right there and shoulders.
00:18:24He just turned 22 a week ago.
00:18:2822.
00:18:28Brought to you by Burger King.
00:18:32You know Detroit gained the moniker of City of Champions
00:18:34as the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings all won titles in their 30s.
00:18:38They go on to win 14 championships by 1960.
00:18:41The 80s, 90s, and early 2000s saw a resurgence of Detroit sports winning eight more titles.
00:18:48But folks, the bad news?
00:18:50It's been 17 years since Detroit has hoisted a banner.
00:18:53But there's hope all across all four sports that another is on the horizon,
00:18:58including these Pistons led by Cade Cunningham,
00:19:02who have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 15-2
00:19:06and riding a 13-game winning streak.
00:19:10Two other times the Pistons have been on 13-game winning streaks.
00:19:14Both times the team has gone on to win the NBA championship in 2004 and also in 1990.
00:19:20And the rebuilding process for these Detroit Pistons has been accelerated because of this start.
00:19:27Certainly, you think about the expectations,
00:19:29you think about the growing pains that some of these young guys have been through in this franchise.
00:19:34And now you plug in a couple of veterans,
00:19:36a couple of experienced guys that come in with an already consistent, connected group.
00:19:41It goes to another level.
00:19:42Trajan Langdon and JB Bickerstaff very much aligned, Alyssa.
00:19:46Yeah, and when it comes to the Boston Celtics,
00:19:48Jonesy, you were talking about this earlier.
00:19:49Joe Mazzoula saying, let's create some chaos.
00:19:52On the other side, JB Bickerstaff saying their motto is to control the chaos.
00:19:57That's where they've grown the most.
00:19:58They can play a style where they can get chippy at times.
00:20:02But he described his team as a group who overwhelms people with spirit.
00:20:05That's how they've been able to close out 10 clutch time games so far this season.
00:20:09A great point as Brown is fouled by Isaiah Stewart,
00:20:13who just checked into the ballgame.
00:20:14And Jalen Brown is very engaged at the offensive end.
00:20:21He'll shoot his fifth and sixth free throws already,
00:20:26even though he has yet to make a field goal.
00:20:28But, boy, what a great job by that guy.
00:20:31JB Bickerstaff going back to last year when the Pistons won 44 games
00:20:34after setting a historic losing streak record the previous year
00:20:40on the former head coach, Monty Williams.
00:20:44But I love the way that he has helped.
00:20:48Really set the tenor for this team.
00:20:50And right now, Stephanie, you're a coach.
00:20:53He's got an abundance of players.
00:20:56He's talking about playing 11, 12 guys per game,
00:21:00especially with Jaden Ivanbach.
00:21:02And it's really interesting listening to both these coaches
00:21:04talk about the quality of depth in playing 11, 12 deep,
00:21:08the physicality of the league,
00:21:09the physical demands that it takes on these men's bodies
00:21:12day in and day out.
00:21:14But with Jaden Bickerstaff, I love the overwhelming experience.
00:21:17This is a group that is incredibly connected.
00:21:19This is a group that pulls for one another.
00:21:21They're humble, they love to play together,
00:21:23they love to play for one another.
00:21:25And that spirit, it permeates the entire organization.
00:21:30And it doesn't matter who's on the floor and who's not.
00:21:32And that's why you've been able,
00:21:33and part of the reason you've been able to see this group,
00:21:36no matter who's playing and who's not, find success.
00:21:38Yeah, there's a selflessness to this group.
00:21:41Brown on top, Celtics down by seven.
00:21:4410-1 run for the Pistons.
00:21:47Celtics just one of 11 from the field.
00:21:49Brown on top of the ground and tooked in by Hauser.
00:21:53And Hauser!
00:21:56Quickly up to Duncan Robinson.
00:21:59And that one comes off to Amari Williams.
00:22:04Brown in the front court.
00:22:06Stewart stayed down on the ball fake.
00:22:11There's Scheiman also on the court.
00:22:14Step back three.
00:22:15Richard Good.
00:22:18The change-in matchup is all open,
00:22:20which he needed to create a little bit of space.
00:22:22Harris LeBurn out on one-on-one.
00:22:24He's able to create that space and knock it down.
00:22:27And in a blink, the lead is down at two points.
00:22:30Off the wide action, it's LeBurk.
00:22:34Got downhill.
00:22:37Got his own rebound.
00:22:38John Robinson kicks it out to Cunningham for three.
00:22:41Butter.
00:22:45An improved shooter as well this year.
00:22:47And great pick and roll player.
00:22:51And his poise.
00:22:53And his poise, his pace, the way that he plays.
00:22:55He doesn't get rushed, he doesn't get rattled.
00:22:58Brown left that one on the front rim.
00:23:01Cunningham in a rush.
00:23:02Cade slams it home.
00:23:04Cunningham with nine points quickly here in the first quarter.
00:23:25Cade slams it out top.
00:23:28Got by LeBurk.
00:23:29We've got a whistle and a foul.
00:23:30They'll be sideline out of bounds as Jaden Ivey will come into the ballgame.
00:23:38Folks, keep an eye on 23 for the Pistons.
00:23:42One of the best comeback stories you'll see this year in the NBA.
00:23:46Eleven months ago, he suffered a calamitous leg injury.
00:23:51A broken leg.
00:23:52And in 11 plus months, now back on the court.
00:23:56This, after enduring a knee surgery a couple of months ago as well, on his way back.
00:24:03It's like getting foul money for the Pistons.
00:24:05It sure is.
00:24:06And his averaging career highs, having the best year of his young career, when that injury happened.
00:24:12It's hard when you come back from injury, especially when it's such a long process.
00:24:17And he's come back, he's on a minute's restriction, but certainly gives this team an added boost.
00:24:22Sprays it out to the wing to Holland.
00:24:24Cunningham out top.
00:24:27Off glass, good kid.
00:24:28Cunningham already with 11 in the ballgame.
00:24:31And just a great read, the subtle hesitation to read as the second line of defense come in.
00:24:36No, they're not.
00:24:36And then the explosiveness to get to the rim.
00:24:40Anthony Simons, whistling a foul underneath, going to go against the Pistons.
00:24:45You know, back to Cunningham.
00:24:47He usually is a little bit more deferential, Seth, to start games.
00:24:51And he eats in the fourth quarter.
00:24:55I know he's vegan, but he's eating a lot of food right now.
00:24:57A lot of meat on that ball.
00:25:02And understand in the moment, the impact of this ballgame and J.P. Bickerstaff talking to his pregame about how he does.
00:25:08Picking shoes.
00:25:09He understands when to get people involved and when he needs to take over.
00:25:13And right away, the aggressiveness on the offensive end is evident.
00:25:16Williams knocks down the first free throw.
00:25:23Williams Huck filling that void at the five spot in the absence of the newest Cato.
00:25:31As Cunningham will come out of the ballgame.
00:25:34So, J.P. Bickerstaff, so far in the three games, Ivy has been back.
00:25:39It's been staggering those two, Stephanie.
00:25:43But we have seen them play well together going back to last year.
00:25:48LeBird off the screen.
00:25:49You get another primary ball here.
00:25:51That's a great nine to cut.
00:25:53Off-ball cutting action from the Pistons.
00:25:55They spaced the floor so well.
00:25:56And while they're not a great by percentage, three-point shooting team,
00:25:59they understand when to cut, when to dive, when to make the extra pass.
00:26:04All in with the steal.
00:26:06LeBird.
00:26:08Sidestep.
00:26:09Corner three.
00:26:09Ivy lines up the seams.
00:26:14And comes off the brown.
00:26:15J.P. Bickerstaff got a good look.
00:26:20Brown downhill.
00:26:23Still having a tough time shooting the basketball now.
00:26:26One of eight.
00:26:26Ivy thought about it, pulls.
00:26:31Stewart battling underneath.
00:26:32Got the second one to go.
00:26:34There's a reason they call him Beef Stew.
00:26:41It's part of the Jamaican heritage, too.
00:26:44Back after this.
00:26:50The NBA on ESPN is presented all season.
00:26:56Welcome back.
00:27:00If you want to Boston and TD Garden, 10-point lead for the Pistons here in the first quarter.
00:27:07Pistons coming into this game on a 13-game winning streak.
00:27:11Tying the longest in franchise history.
00:27:13Out of the horn set, Simons.
00:27:15Back to Hauser.
00:27:16Holland.
00:27:17Good defense by the Pistons.
00:27:25And Shireman.
00:27:28And he cut the check right at the end of the shot spot.
00:27:33He sure did.
00:27:35That was great defense.
00:27:36Here's LeVert, the primary ball handler.
00:27:41Stewart inside.
00:27:42Draws the foul on Shireman.
00:27:44But that's what Shireman does.
00:27:45He's not a guy who gets a lot of minutes, but he's efficient from the three-point line when he does get on the floor.
00:27:5011 for 20.
00:27:52He can knock it down.
00:27:53Another guy that can stretch the floor, that can space it for drives.
00:27:56J.B. Bickerstaff loves LeVert's versatility.
00:28:05Stewart marauding inside and earns a trip to the free-throw line.
00:28:12And tapped for everybody.
00:28:15That's a snapshot of the type of spirit that Alyssa was talking about a moment ago that this Pistons team has.
00:28:22Foul against Hauser.
00:28:24His first personal foul.
00:28:26Isaiah Stewart out of Washington, averaging a little over 10 points per game.
00:28:35And make your picks with NBA Pick'em, Emirates NBA Cup Edition, for a chance to win tickets to a future game.
00:28:41All NBA Cup picks earn five entries.
00:28:44Play free at NBA.com slash Pick'em or the NBA app.
00:28:49Stewart goes 0 for 2, but the Pistons get another opportunity.
00:28:52Ivy, his third attempt, left it on the front rim.
00:28:56Richard breaks it out to Charmin.
00:29:05Float game pure.
00:29:07I feel like Richard passed up an opportunity in the mid-range right there.
00:29:10He looks like he had an open lane, open shot.
00:29:13But one of the things Joe Mizzoua talks to us about is he loves that he's diversifying his game.
00:29:18When he has double-digit assist, double-digit rebounds.
00:29:21And on the second opportunity, LaVert converts.
00:29:24Seven-point lead for Detroit.
00:29:26Detroit.
00:29:26Richard steps back for three.
00:29:34Knocks it home.
00:29:35Overcatches three.
00:29:37Thanks, Karis LaVert.
00:29:39On that matchup.
00:29:41He sets him up like he's going to go to the rear and uses that step back.
00:29:44I.V. out front against Simons.
00:29:51I.V.
00:29:56Whips a baseline pass to Holland.
00:29:58Amazing that it even got there.
00:30:00Holland off glass.
00:30:02Two-for-one opportunity.
00:30:07Pritchard sprays it out to Minot for three.
00:30:12And they can pretty much walk it all the way down and run it down with a six-point lead.
00:30:20LaVert against Pritchard.
00:30:24Here's LaVert with a long field goal so far.
00:30:27They get the switch on to Hauser.
00:30:30There's the mismatch.
00:30:32Pritchard with great hands.
00:30:33Knocked it away.
00:30:34It'll be Celtic basketball with 2.6 to go.
00:30:37This is Peyton Pritchard time, folks.
00:30:40They look for him.
00:30:42Makes the catch.
00:30:47Stephanie.
00:30:48That's at the top of the sky, right?
00:30:50That sure is.
00:30:51Peyton Pritchard and a shot clock in a period.
00:30:56Cunningham leading the way for the Pistons with 11 points.
00:30:59At the end of the first 12 minutes.
00:31:01Brown with seven for the home crew.
00:31:08Welcome back to NBA Wednesday presented by State Farm here with Asar Thompson.
00:31:12Asar, how would you evaluate the way you guys have started this game here on the road?
00:31:15We start out with a lot of energy and we just got to keep that up and, you know, do it next quarter.
00:31:21Duncan describes your energy on the floor as a menace.
00:31:24What do you hope to bring to this team night in and night out?
00:31:27Yeah, menace.
00:31:28Duncan said it best.
00:31:29Yeah.
00:31:30Thank you.
00:31:30Thank you.
00:31:30Thompson's doing a great job for the Pistons so far in this game.
00:31:40Shireman knocks down the jump shot.
00:31:41He's got eight in the ballgame.
00:31:42Off the elbow, Cunningham.
00:31:48Whistle and an offensive foul against Isaiah Stewart.
00:31:52Stewart, really one of the guys that defines the culture of this Pistons team.
00:32:02Folks, if you've watched them enough going back to last year, you know that he's one of their more physical players.
00:32:07And invariably, at some point during a Pistons game, someone's feelings are going to get rattled and someone's going to get their chin checked.
00:32:17That's three fouls as Stewart will have to sit down.
00:32:24Simons.
00:32:26Mine up from deep.
00:32:27Got it!
00:32:28And one!
00:32:29Oh, final three!
00:32:37I mean, this is a great look by Minot.
00:32:42Good job of catching shot, Randy Lennonflin.
00:32:45He's coming off the game where he was 7 of 8 from the floor with 16 points against Orlando.
00:32:50He's a guy who's been in and out of the starting lineup.
00:32:53He's been ready when his numbers called.
00:32:56He's going to be important, I think, an important piece for Boston as they continue to find their identity.
00:33:01He can play in a lot of different ways.
00:33:04After a couple of years with the Minnesota Timberwolves,
00:33:06he's finally getting an opportunity for some consistent minutes here
00:33:10as he's part of the energy at the defensive end of the floor.
00:33:18Off to 77 action, it's Cunningham.
00:33:20Snakes the screen.
00:33:22Inside blocked.
00:33:24By Williams and on the break.
00:33:26Almost.
00:33:27Minot comes up with it.
00:33:29What a block by Holland!
00:33:31Oh, he put it on pause!
00:33:34Run, Holland!
00:33:35With an incredible defensive play.
00:33:41There was a foul against the Pistons.
00:33:44Look at this hustle.
00:33:45I mean, that was just an incredible defensive effort.
00:33:48Both guys getting back.
00:33:51Holland elevating.
00:33:53Getting his hand on it.
00:33:54I mean, that's the relentless effort of this Detroit Pistons ball club.
00:34:00That's an identity that they have continued to not just build but embrace all the way down the line.
00:34:07Top five team defensively.
00:34:16Simon's out top.
00:34:19Working against Jenkins.
00:34:21Jenkins another great story for this Pistons squad.
00:34:23Shireman, great footwork, and delivers a soft jumper.
00:34:28Oh, Holland!
00:34:31Time out on the floor.
00:34:33Shireman!
00:34:34An unlikely quasar so far.
00:34:37Boston up three when we come back.
00:34:40Dell Technologies.
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00:34:53Let's take a look at tonight's Starwatch, brought to you by Copilot by Microsoft.
00:34:57Now, Baylor Shireman has been the shot in the arm that the Celtics needed off the bench.
00:35:01Ten points.
00:35:02He's perfect from the floor.
00:35:03Two for two from the three-point line.
00:35:05And Joe Mazula talked to us pre-game about the consistency of these young guys who haven't had meaningful minutes before.
00:35:12And he's gotten minutes in each of these last five games.
00:35:14But what it takes on a daily basis, game to game.
00:35:17Not just quarter by quarter.
00:35:18Not every fourth or fifth game.
00:35:20And these guys are growing through this right now.
00:35:23Out of the timeout.
00:35:24Cade Cunningham with the silencer to stop the Boston 9-0 run to start the second quarter.
00:35:30Cunningham up the 14th.
00:35:35And Simons still trying to find his rhythm as a Celtic.
00:35:40Adjusting to coming off the bench.
00:35:43He's a starter for the majority of his time in Portland.
00:35:47The wrong leg shot comes off to Cunningham.
00:35:49But great D.
00:35:51I mean, Holland forcing Simons inside the paint to play off the bounce.
00:35:55Contested a high degree of difficulty shot.
00:35:58Holland had a notion.
00:35:59Drives it on Baylor Shireman.
00:36:00Back out to Green, the former Celtic.
00:36:03On the keep action, Durin lost the handle.
00:36:07Five on the shot clock.
00:36:09Got to get to work.
00:36:10Holland pulls.
00:36:12And one and done that time for the Pistons.
00:36:15Tied to 33.
00:36:17Simons on the handle.
00:36:20Over Green.
00:36:22And Durin with the board.
00:36:24Dennis Jenkins has been one of the great stewards for the Pistons.
00:36:31Two-way contract holder.
00:36:33Cade.
00:36:35Got a little bit of food here on Shireman.
00:36:38One more to Jenkins, one more to Holland.
00:36:41Drives baseline and the reverse.
00:36:44And he comes up and does his own stunts.
00:36:46And you see what he got above it.
00:36:48The unselfishness.
00:36:50The extra pass to the extra pass.
00:36:52It leads to an uncontested draw to the rim.
00:36:55First, the speed on the baseline by Holland.
00:36:57He gets Detroit a two-point lead.
00:36:59He has six.
00:37:01Derrick White on the bounce.
00:37:03Working against Jenkins.
00:37:05And Jenkins commits the foul.
00:37:07I'm going to put Derrick White on the free throw line.
00:37:09And if you did it, Dwight, we spoke with him prior to the game today.
00:37:13How did you get yourself going offensively?
00:37:16You talked about doing a lot of form shooting and, you know, elbow in.
00:37:21Base with the legs and feet.
00:37:23But what's the mentality if you're a coach trying to get him done?
00:37:26I mean, the tough thing right now is it looks good.
00:37:29His shots look good.
00:37:30It doesn't look like he's off balance.
00:37:31It doesn't look like it's a mechanical thing.
00:37:33And you just get in your head.
00:37:35You know, this is a guy.
00:37:37You think about, you know, my question would be,
00:37:39is he getting the same quality of shots he used to get
00:37:42with Jason Tatum on the floor, with Christoph Spitzingas,
00:37:44with Drew Holiday, you know, with Jalen Brown,
00:37:46all of those guys on the floor together.
00:37:49Now he's not getting as many catch-and-shoot opportunities.
00:37:52So they're not in rhythm always.
00:37:55And it's a mental game at this point.
00:37:57Alyssa?
00:37:57One of the other things that he said that I thought was interesting
00:38:00was given the nature of where Boston is this season,
00:38:03he said the margin of error is so much smaller.
00:38:05The little things seem louder now.
00:38:07I've always heard them, but after being in some close games,
00:38:10the little things are the difference between winning and losing.
00:38:13And I'm sure Stephanie loves that as a coach as well.
00:38:16After turnover, they'll be Detroit basketball.
00:38:19Yeah, back to Derek Wright.
00:38:20His dad, Richard, was in town visiting for a few days
00:38:24and had the chance to tweak the jumper a little bit.
00:38:28Dad always knows best.
00:38:30His number one fan and his first coach.
00:38:33And you never stop coaching your son, right?
00:38:36Is that the way it was?
00:38:37No, absolutely not.
00:38:38We've got a challenge on the court.
00:38:39Back after...
00:38:40Well, here's a look at the call on the floor,
00:38:44which was ruled Detroit ball.
00:38:46Subsequent to that, a challenge by Joe Mazzoula and Boston.
00:38:49The call on the floor has been overturned.
00:38:53It'll be Celtic basketball.
00:38:55Well, our annual NBA on Christmas Day tradition continues this year.
00:38:59Dunk the Halls is back.
00:39:00The first of our five games.
00:39:02Cavs Knicks at noon Eastern on ABC and ESPN
00:39:05with real-time animated version from Main Street USA
00:39:08at Magic Kingdom on ESPN2.
00:39:11You can also watch on Disney+, the Disney Channel,
00:39:14Disney XD, and the all-new ESPN app.
00:39:17Baylor, Shireman off the mark from deep.
00:39:20A rare miss for him.
00:39:24Cunningham in the front court.
00:39:27Holland drives it on White.
00:39:31Cunningham got his feet set.
00:39:33Man rebounded by Minot.
00:39:37Cunningham...
00:39:38Now five of nine.
00:39:41And a miscommunication there with White and Minot.
00:39:45Fourth turn over the ball game, which is rare because...
00:39:47Boston is top five in the NBA in terms.
00:39:52Bob, Baylor, Shireman!
00:39:54Yeah, they turn it over just a little over 11 times a ball game.
00:39:58But this is what the Detroit Pistons do.
00:40:00They keep you off balance.
00:40:01They are disruptive.
00:40:03They don't allow easy passes.
00:40:05They force you to second guess.
00:40:07Lock it pass to Duren inside.
00:40:09Green thought better of it out to Cunningham.
00:40:12Sprays it out to Holland.
00:40:15Five of the shot clock.
00:40:16There's the post-up.
00:40:17Whistle, foul.
00:40:18But three seconds first against Duren.
00:40:21They call three seconds?
00:40:22Hey!
00:40:22Once in a while, partner!
00:40:25Camped out a little bit too long.
00:40:27That's the third turnover for Detroit.
00:40:30The Pistons is one of the best teams in the NBA, Stephanie, in creating turnovers and scoring off turnovers.
00:40:37What do you make of the way that the Celtics have taken care of the basketball so far in that aspect?
00:40:43Well, they've got four turnovers, but I feel like that is leading to Detroit's runouts.
00:40:47I feel like it's the long shots that are leading to Detroit's runouts.
00:40:54Jenkins all over Simons.
00:40:57Simons left it on the front rim and rebounded by Duren on the grab-and-go.
00:41:04Clothes his way through and draws the fouls.
00:41:08Jalen Duren will go to the free-throw line for a couple of shots.
00:41:10Spokes, I mentioned going to break a couple of minutes ago, but Duren just turned 22 years old.
00:41:19And one of a handful of players in the NBA, Stephanie, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds, just five,
00:41:26which is really rare when you put your mind around it.
00:41:30He's a guy who continues to build onto his skill set.
00:41:34His face-up game, his mid-range game, using him as a facilitator.
00:41:38And J.P. Bickerstaff talked to us about him being such a good passer.
00:41:43They want to use him in that delay action.
00:41:45They want to use him in the short roll.
00:41:47And now he's making the right reads.
00:41:48Attack the rim, get rid of the basketball.
00:41:52You know, we talk about the togetherness of this piston spot.
00:41:54I asked Jalen before the game, what did the team give you for your birthday?
00:41:59So give me that.
00:42:00So they gave me a win.
00:42:03All right, now, baby, this boy's got to do better than that.
00:42:05Look, I saw this togetherness on display a year ago.
00:42:10I was at a G League game in Indianapolis, and they were playing the Motor City Cruise.
00:42:14And all the guys from the NBA team came to support the G League team.
00:42:19I mean, this is a connected group.
00:42:21They've been sacrificed for one another.
00:42:23The culture that they're building is about that connectedness.
00:42:26And, you know, when J.D. Bickerstaff talks about the spirit of our team, that's exactly it.
00:42:33And, you know, that is good for 10 to 12 points above no doubt.
00:42:37You know, I am a firm believer that connected teams are winning teams.
00:42:40Thompson inside.
00:42:43And he draws the foul from Derek White.
00:42:45And his brother, a man, was at the end of the court.
00:43:13And Coach Vinson right there tells me afterwards, the Twins would play one-on-one against each other, Stephanie.
00:43:20And short of coming to blows, Coach Vinson said it's some of the most competitive basketball he's ever seen.
00:43:27At one point, a man got mad at a solo and said, who the hell do you think you are?
00:43:32Michael Jordan?
00:43:35Because he was burning and he was giving it to him.
00:43:36And look, that's their competitive edge, their unique skill sets going against one another every day.
00:43:44I mean, they're two of the most unique, dynamic players in this league.
00:43:48Good football by Brown for the bucket inside.
00:43:51He earned it.
00:43:51Thompson worked on that mid-post game, working against Pritchard.
00:43:56Here's Ivy.
00:43:58Had an ocean.
00:44:00Walks down Pritchard.
00:44:01That's the shot he's been working on, but he left it short.
00:44:06Celtics with a chance to take the lead.
00:44:08Pritchard.
00:44:11Brown, double-teamed.
00:44:16Ivy on Pritchard.
00:44:17Good defense by Ivy.
00:44:22And they get the miss.
00:44:24The Celtics down to 33% from the field.
00:44:29And the defensive game plan for Detroit, forcing Boston to shoot tough twos.
00:44:34Tough contested twos.
00:44:35Running them off the three-point line, not allowing straight-line drives.
00:44:38They're going to hit tough shots.
00:44:39Duran, a tough shot inside with the lead.
00:44:42And Jalen Duran with nine points in the game.
00:44:47Ivy stayed in front of Brown.
00:44:50No whistle.
00:44:51We're going to have a jump ball called.
00:44:54Ivy took it right in the chest.
00:44:56That's textbook defense, right?
00:44:57That is textbook defense.
00:44:59And when Jalen Brown comes barreling down, oftentimes you want to get out of the way.
00:45:05I said earlier, when you play the Pistons, there's going to be a few chin checks.
00:45:09And here's one right here.
00:45:11Brown holding his chin after this collision.
00:45:13The physicality, the chippiness.
00:45:18This is the Detroit Pistons of old kind of coming back, right?
00:45:24Pistons up by three.
00:45:26It'll be Brown and Harris in the circle to jump.
00:45:29That's the midway corner of the second quarter.
00:45:34Detroit riding a 13-game winning streak.
00:45:38White off the tip.
00:45:41Brown with the show-and-go.
00:45:43Good defense by Harris stayed on his feet.
00:45:45Wonderful contest, and they get the miss.
00:45:52A miserable shooting night continues for Brown, just two of 10.
00:46:00Ivy out to Robinson.
00:46:01Thompson out top.
00:46:04A sore, Thompson.
00:46:06Big-time rebound.
00:46:08Duren tipped it up a second time.
00:46:10Comes right to Ivy.
00:46:11Look what I found.
00:46:12This was a concern for Joe Missoula, the rebounding, the second chance opportunities.
00:46:19Detroit number one in the NBA in points in the paint.
00:46:24But the multiple levels of effort, right?
00:46:26This is a Detroit team on both ends of the floor.
00:46:29You see it.
00:46:30Relentless spirit, multiple levels of effort.
00:46:34As one NBA scout told me recently about the Pistons.
00:46:38They all play on an empty stomach.
00:46:40This team is hungry.
00:46:41They sure are.
00:46:42I mean, the first shot doesn't go, but you get in there, you get a hand on the ball.
00:46:46Second shot doesn't go.
00:46:47Keep it alive.
00:46:49And just multiple pursuits.
00:46:52That is a hungry mentality.
00:46:54And one of the challenges with having such a deep bench is how do you get everybody to the minutes that they want?
00:46:59You're not always going to get in the minutes that you want, but you have the opportunity to go to exhaustion
00:47:04knowing that the next guy is going to come in and going to continue to give you a look.
00:47:08And the winning formula so far for Detroit.
00:47:10Here's Brown on top against Harris.
00:47:13Howser on the little slipstream.
00:47:16Pops loose and missed the three.
00:47:17Ivy with pace into the frontcourt.
00:47:21Got it knocked away.
00:47:22Taken away by Derrick White.
00:47:25Not letting his offense impact his defense.
00:47:28And Minot on the alley-oop.
00:47:29Oh, there it is.
00:47:32Derrick White's three-point field goal.
00:47:34Three-point ball game.
00:47:37And that's textbook Derrick White, right?
00:47:39Getting back in the play.
00:47:40Making the play on the defensive end.
00:47:41Making something happen.
00:47:43Ivy missing from deep.
00:47:45Here's Jalen Brown in an out dribble on Ivy.
00:47:48Put him in the weight room and missed with the left hand.
00:47:52Everything but the bucket for Brown.
00:48:00Thompson out to Ivy.
00:48:02Ivy was having a great year before he got injured last year.
00:48:05He was shooting 40% from deep.
00:48:08Iso post play by Harris.
00:48:10And one.
00:48:11When in doubt, give it to the sage-cagey veteran, Tobias Harris.
00:48:17No doubt.
00:48:17I mean, he just baited Hauser right here.
00:48:20Look at him.
00:48:20Just intentional about getting that arm in there and going right up.
00:48:23Perfect timing by Harris.
00:48:26I mean, talking about Jaden Ivey, I mean, he was.
00:48:29He was having a career year.
00:48:30He made a lot of clutch plays.
00:48:32End of clock.
00:48:33End of quarter plays.
00:48:34And has worked incredibly hard to get himself back.
00:48:37And we mentioned on the minutes restriction right now.
00:48:41But once he gets back and in full swing, I mean, just another dynamic for this young team.
00:48:47They've got a lot of ordinance on that bench in Detroit.
00:48:51Ivy trying to stick White here.
00:48:53On the stack out, it's Minot.
00:48:55Back to White.
00:48:5710 on the shot clock for the Celtics.
00:49:00Harris switching on to White.
00:49:01Robinson, good tonight defense on Brown.
00:49:05So White on the other side.
00:49:06Pulls a three.
00:49:09Back out to Brown.
00:49:10Another opportunity.
00:49:11Cash.
00:49:16Three-point game.
00:49:17Brown with 12.
00:49:18The fact that they're only down three shooting 33 percent, Stephanie.
00:49:22You've got to feel good about it.
00:49:23You've got to feel good about that if you're Boston for sure.
00:49:26Thompson's hand a little loose.
00:49:27Lost it.
00:49:28Brown in transition.
00:49:30Blocked by Thompson.
00:49:32It'll be Boston basketball baseline out of bounds.
00:49:34And Karis LeVert looked like he blew a tire down there, lost his shoe.
00:49:49As Brown has a spirited conversation with Mitchell Urban.
00:49:53There was a lot of contact on that drive.
00:50:00Despite the fact that foul shooting is actually up, I think, still in the NBA at last watch.
00:50:10Foul shots, actually, attempts.
00:50:12Walsh, back to Pritchard.
00:50:21Three ball, got it.
00:50:23And retired at 45.
00:50:26It's one of the few times that Peyton Pritchard has had any space with Thompson on him.
00:50:32Cunningham off the goal screen.
00:50:34Inside, fouled.
00:50:35And Cunningham will go back to the free throw line for the Pistols.
00:50:38And he just has such a good feel of when his team needs him to make a play.
00:50:46You know, Cunningham doing a great job as a leader this year.
00:50:50Invited the entire Pistons team that all showed up to his home in Arlington this past July, early in the month.
00:50:59And they had two-day workouts, played fives, and slapped some bones, played some dominoes, some bouree, and some great team bonding.
00:51:08He's seeing it come to fruition on the court.
00:51:10Hey, coming up on halftime, presented by Hyundai Palisade, Malika, Windy Perk, and Coach Michael Malone in the studio.
00:51:19The Pistons chasing history.
00:51:21A win today would give them a franchise best.
00:51:25Fourteen wins in a row.
00:51:27It's an important win for the Cup standings with Orlando looming at the end of the week.
00:51:39Yeah, Cup game on Friday in Detroit against Orlando.
00:51:43Both teams would be 3-0 if Detroit wins here tonight.
00:51:46Boston with a loss would be eliminated.
00:51:49Brown with other thoughts.
00:51:51Did a victory lap and fail.
00:51:53Giving Boston a one-point lead.
00:51:59He's got four teams.
00:52:00What an incredible shot.
00:52:02Jalen Brown sees the advantage, does a great job of just getting high off the glass, avoiding the block, soft touch.
00:52:11I mean, this is just a heck of a play.
00:52:12We talked about his usage rate is up, his field goal percentage is up, his numbers are up.
00:52:16There's a lot riding on this young man's shoulders right now.
00:52:20He's shouldering the road, certainly with grace, with humility, and with a leap from the leadership standpoint.
00:52:25You can see it.
00:52:26He called out his team and himself after a disappointing loss a couple of games ago against the Nets.
00:52:34And the requisite response in the following game, a win against Orlando.
00:52:40On the wing, LaVert thought about it.
00:52:44Pierces the paint out to Cunningham.
00:52:45One more Robinson, and good rotation by Brown for the steal.
00:52:52Harris picks up Pritchard in transition.
00:52:55Snatched back by Brown in his bag like the flies were at the bottom.
00:53:0217 for Jalen Brown.
00:53:04Walsh with the foul on Cunningham.
00:53:21Basketball dot count.
00:53:24That's a second personal foul.
00:53:27And they're in the penalty.
00:53:28Jalen Brown is so good at getting to his spots.
00:53:31He talked about it at the snatch back.
00:53:33He didn't have it, didn't like it, got to his spot, elevated over Duncan Robinson.
00:53:38He made the play on the defensive end, comes back down, gets to his spot on the offensive end of the floor.
00:53:44Got some juice in the building with that player.
00:53:46Still did.
00:53:48Boston up by 4-3 now after that Cade Cunningham bucket.
00:53:52Talked about Brown staying in Boston for most of the summer.
00:53:56Involved with many different community activities and making sure to be on hand when all the new players arrive.
00:54:02The training camp and before felt it was important to connect in the absence of Jason Tatum.
00:54:09Under two minutes to go in the first half.
00:54:15Brown off top against Harris.
00:54:17They bring Robinson into the action.
00:54:22I like that matchup.
00:54:24This is designated him to pigeon.
00:54:27In NBA parlance.
00:54:29Nothing personal.
00:54:30Bucket by Brown.
00:54:32That's where the Celtics have always been exceptional.
00:54:34Hunting the matchup that they want.
00:54:36Being able to isolate and attack it.
00:54:39Cunningham at his own pace.
00:54:41Misfires.
00:54:42Duran with the cleanup.
00:54:45Caelan Duran.
00:54:47Averaging a double-double in the season.
00:54:48Over 20 and 10.
00:54:49He's got nine points.
00:54:51And a ribbon rebound.
00:54:53Pitcher.
00:54:56Duran with the rebound at the defensive end.
00:54:58One minute to go in the half.
00:55:03Cunningham to Mitty.
00:55:06Turin battling underneath.
00:55:07Got ripped by Brown.
00:55:14Pitcher on the drive.
00:55:17Uncontested guy.
00:55:20Duran Pitcher gives Boston a four-point lead.
00:55:23He's up to 11.
00:55:24On the pistol action.
00:55:32Harris.
00:55:33Back to Cunningham.
00:55:35Great ball movement.
00:55:37Levert cuts the chip with the three ball.
00:55:39I love that little chase action.
00:55:41Coming right back here at Cunningham.
00:55:42The gravity.
00:55:44It opens it up for another teammate.
00:55:47Look at the hockey assist.
00:55:52Harris gets back to ground for the three.
00:55:54Cunningham with the rebound.
00:55:57Plenty of time.
00:55:58The hit ahead.
00:55:59Harris.
00:56:00Fouled by Shireman.
00:56:01Here go to the free throw line.
00:56:04A couple of shots.
00:56:06And these are the run outs that the Pistons are getting.
00:56:08Off of the long shots.
00:56:10Lack of urgency to get back in transition defense.
00:56:13A lot of ball watching.
00:56:14To talk about Boston's defense just 16th in defensive rating this year.
00:56:20We're usually top five.
00:56:24Harris fouled there by Shireman.
00:56:26He'll go to the free throw line.
00:56:30Harris, an 88% free throw shooter.
00:56:33We talk about that 13-game winning streak.
00:56:35Amazing that he missed nine of those games.
00:56:39And they were still able to come out victorious.
00:56:41But he was more than happy to sign with the Pistons a couple of years ago to come back to Detroit for the second time and embrace the journey there.
00:56:52Thompson with pressure on Pritchett.
00:57:0410 to go.
00:57:05Brown.
00:57:07Around the Williams screen.
00:57:09Shireman the hot hand from the corner.
00:57:11Got it.
00:57:13Great execution by the Celtics.
00:57:16He's got 13.
00:57:18Thompson with time.
00:57:20Pulls the three on line.
00:57:22Butter.
00:57:24A star.
00:57:26A star with the jumper.
00:57:32To punctuate a great first half by the Pistons who lead by one on the road.
00:57:40Stay tuned for halftime presented by Hyundai Palisade.
00:57:45We'll join Malik and the gang after these messages.
00:57:47Welcome to NBA Halftime presented by Hyundai Palisade.
00:57:57Well, we got a game here in the first half.
00:57:59The Detroit Pistons are looking for 14 straight wins.
00:58:02But the Boston Celtics, they are not going down without a fight.
00:58:04Paced by 19 points from their star, their leader, Jalen Brown.
00:58:09As we welcome you inside our Los Angeles studios.
00:58:11And I get to introduce you to a couple of stars right here.
00:58:13Brian Windhurst, Kendrick Perkins, Michael Malone.
00:58:15I'm Malika Andrews.
00:58:16Perk, you know all there is to know about the Boston Celtics in this squad.
00:58:20They're hanging pace with one of the best in the league right now.
00:58:22They are.
00:58:22They are.
00:58:23And Jalen Brown is keeping them alive.
00:58:25But, you know, he's got to have that Robin.
00:58:27I've got to see more from Derek White right now.
00:58:29There's too many times he's fading off, standing in the corner.
00:58:32It seemed like his confidence is not there.
00:58:35And you saw the one possession.
00:58:37The only two points he had is at the free throw line.
00:58:39You know this, Coach.
00:58:40Good players, great players.
00:58:42When their offense is not going, they find a way to get to the line.
00:58:45But this man right here, Jenkins, he said that the Detroit Pistons are the nasty boys.
00:58:50Watch him get nasty right here on this clip.
00:58:53Look at him not getting screened, playing without fouling.
00:58:55Chessing, making them miss, not hoping to miss on that contest.
00:58:59It's just hard to score on this Detroit defense.
00:59:02And that defense leads to offense.
00:59:04And Cade Cunningham, obviously, 17 points in that first half.
00:59:08We know he can do it in the half court, Malika.
00:59:10But here, offense from their defense, great contest.
00:59:14They get the rebound.
00:59:15One of the best rebounding teams in the league.
00:59:16Outlet from Stewie, B-Stu, to motorcade.
00:59:20Getting out in transition for an easy two.
00:59:23And they're going to need a lot more of that.
00:59:25They allowed Boston's offense to get way too comfortable in that second quarter.
00:59:28They've got to impose their will in the second half.
00:59:30Perk, you said that Jalen needs a robin.
00:59:33Can I offer you an Alfred?
00:59:34How about Baylor Shireman, Creighton's own Baylor Shireman, helping the Celtics stay afloat?
00:59:40Brown started one of eight.
00:59:42Shireman has sort of secretly been having a really good shooting season.
00:59:45Over 50% from three.
00:59:47Three of four in the first half.
00:59:4813 points.
00:59:48Yeah, and the Celtics bet 22 points in the first half.
00:59:51Yeah, I mean, look, they're picking up the slack.
00:59:53But, again, Derrick White, the leap we was expecting for him to take this year, you know, he's been what.
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