Pistons’ new faces lead to season sweep of Raptors

DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons swept the Toronto Raptors this season, after the Raptors did likewise to the Pistons the previous season. Detroit beat Toronto 118-104 Monday at Little Caesars Arena off of the strong efforts of rookies Saddiq Bey and Saben Lee and newly acquired Hamidou Diallo.

Detroit (13-33) put up a strong night on both ends of the floor to sweep the Raptors (18-29). The Pistons began the game with more energy to set the pace and tone of the match-up. It was a major turning of the page from their loss to the Washington Wizards the game before.

The Pistons forced the Raptors to take inefficient shots as Toronto shot 35-of-86 overall and 11-of-36 from three. The Raptors shot under 40 percent for much of the night, going over that mark with just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Despite having some shooting struggles, Raptors guard Fred Van Vleet scored 22 points on 7-of-20 shooting, including 4-of-10 shooting from three. He made the most of cutting into the paint and drawing contact to get to the line seven times.

The Pistons played a physical game, picking up 24 fouls and sending the Raptors to the line 28 times. But Detroit’s strong offensive night helped it keep a firm grasp on the game.

The Pistons made 37 of their 70 overall shots to end the night with a 50.7 shooting percentage. It was their best offensive night since their loss to the Indiana Pacers two games before. Detroit ended the night with six players in double figures scoring.

Not only were the Pistons hot from inside the arc, but they also had a strong night from long range. They made 15-of-30 shots from three, marking a season-high 50 percent.

The night’s win would not be possible without the efforts from Diallo, Lee and Bey, each of whom scored 19 points. Diallo ended the night with a double-double after pulling down 10 rebounds in his second game since being acquired from Oklahoma City.

Lee had three rebounds and five assists, while Bey pulled down three rebounds and handed out four assists.

Diallo was not the only new addition to give the Pistons a big lift. Veteran guard Cory Joseph scored 17 points, had four rebounds and dished out five assists.

Rookie Isaiah Stewart chipped in 14 points while Frank Jackson scored 12 points and added three rebounds.

The Pistons used the opportunity to take a look at those new faces as they continue to develop the younger talent on the team.

Following the signing of Tyler Cook to a second 10-day contract, the Pistons opted to give the center an extended look. Cook made the most of the minutes, pulling down six rebounds, and continued to show the high energy that has helped the Pistons defensively.