In Week 7 of the 2023 NFL regular season, NFL Network analysts Gregg Rosenthal, Patrick Claybon, and Colleen Wolfe have shared their predictions for the Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game.
In a preseason matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the Thunder, the Pistons managed to secure a 118-116 victory over the Thunder. This win came as the Pistons overcame a 14-point second-quarter deficit in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following their previous victory in Montreal the week before. With a strong second half, the Pistons improved to a 2-1 preseason record and are set to face the Dallas Mavericks on the road in their final preseason game on Friday.
Rookie player Ausar Thompson was the standout for the Pistons, leading with a preseason-high 18 points, along with notable contributions in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Other rookies, such as Marcus Sasser, Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren, along with Isaiah Stewart, also achieved double-digit scoring.
Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 20 points and five assists, but the team played without star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was sidelined due to a knee contusion. The Pistons, on the other hand, were missing Bojan Bogdanovic and Monte Morris due to injuries.
The Pistons had a strong defensive start, taking an early 16-7 lead, but the Thunder fought back to lead by 14 points midway through the second quarter. The Pistons’ bench, led by Joe Harris, eventually helped them regain the lead in the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, both teams rested their starters, and Marcus Sasser’s impressive performance helped the Pistons build a 10-point lead, securing the victory.
Killian Hayes retained his place in the starting lineup, with Cunningham and Duren returning. The Pistons’ starting lineup lacked spacing on paper but managed to make enough three-pointers to counter the Thunder’s paint-crowding strategy.
The Pistons’ starters played well both offensively and defensively, holding the Thunder to a low shooting percentage in the first quarter and reducing the halftime deficit to five points.
Despite being limited in playing time, Ausar Thompson had an outstanding performance, showing improvement in his outside shooting. He contributed to Detroit’s early lead, showcasing his skills as a defender, passer, and rebounder. If he continues to excel in shooting three-pointers, his starting position appears secure.
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