Beasley hits game-winner at the buzzer; Suns defeat Pistons 102-100The Phoenix Suns are now 2-0 for the 2012-13 season after a nailbiting win over the Greg Monroe-led Pistons.
Phoenix got out to an early start, hitting 5-5 three pointers in the first quarter on their way to a 29-21 lead, led by two each from point guard Goran Dragic and forward Michael Beasley. Like the previous game however, Phoenix's bench struggled to maintain control over the game, and when starters Marcin Gortat and Goran Dragic were substituted back on in the 3rd minute of the second quarter, they clung to a 31-30 lead. They would help to restore order to the game, and a late flurry from both teams had the scores in Phoenix's favour at the half, 53-49.
The Suns downfall in the second half was the lack of boxing out on the defensive end, and would give up 18 out of the Pistons 22 offensive rebounds in the second half alone. After a quite first half, Greg Monroe would explode in the third, scoring 12 of his 16 points in the third quarter. The Suns held only the slimmest of leads going into the fourth quarter, up 74-73.
The Suns bench started the fourth quarter, with only Wesley Johnson and Shannon Brown having scored any points for the second unit (12 and 8 respectively). Detroit would take their first lead of the match with a Tayshaun Prince bucket, and would hold the lead until the final minute of the game. By this time, starters from both teams were on the floor, and a Rodney Stuckey turnover with 44 seconds left in the game would lead to a Scola steal and a Goran Dragic layup on the other end, tying the scores at 100-100 with 38 seconds left. Again the young Pistons team would lack composure late, and after Tayshaun Prince missed a desperation heave with 14 seconds on the clock, the Suns had a chance to win the game.
After a timeout, the Suns ran an isolation play for Michael Beasley at the top. Beasley jab-stepped twice, pumpfaked and drove left, putting up a 21 footer at the buzzer over Prince's outstretched arm, and hit the shot.
The Suns were only the fifth team in history to hit 15 or more three pointers against the Detroit Pistons.
The
Sprite Uncontainable Game award went to the Suns for their run in the first quarter.
The
Jordan Brand Player Of The Game award went to Suns power-forward Luis Scola.
GAME STATSPHX: 102 (Beasley 26, Dragic 25, Scola 19)
DET: 100 (Knight 22, Monroe 16, Prince 12)
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KEYS TO THE GAMEMichael Beasley had perhaps the best all-around game of his career, with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Not only did he hit the game-winning buzzer beater, he continually sparked Suns scoring runs, not only through his scoring but also through the distribution of the ball.
Goran Dragic carried on his terrific performance against the Warriors with another spectacular one against the Pistons. Along with Beasley and Luis Scola, Dragic was the only consistent threat for the Suns all night, and he scored 25 points to go with his 11 assists and 4 rebounds.
Wesley Johnson was the Suns leading scorer off the bench, hitting three 3-pointers and collecting 8 rebounds (including 5 offensive).
The
Suns three leading rebounders were all wing players: Jared Dudley, Wesley Johnson and Michael Beasley (11, 8 and 7 respectively).
Brandon Knight played a solid game, leading the Pistons with 22 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals.
Rodney Stuckey played a terrible game, scoring only 4 points. He did play terrific defense against Jared Dudley and Shannon Brown, who only scored 12 points between them.
ROOKIE WATCHPHX: Kendall Marshall (DNP)
DET: Andre Drummond (4pts, 2rebs), Kim English (DNP), Khris Middleton (DNP)
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