Oklahoma City Thunder take it to the Detroit Pistons 119 - 110

The Oklahoma City Thunder came roaring through the Palace of Auburn Hills on Friday night and defeated the Detroit Pistons 119-110.  The Palace now has been open for 25 years in Auburn Hills and it was still shocking to me that even with one of the top two players in the NBA the Pistons were drawing a small crowd. 

Kevin Durant the 6th year NBA superstar dominated the Pistons with 37 points and 8 rebounds moved at will it seemed.  The Pistons only trailed the 4-1 Thunder by 4 points going into the locker room at halftime 55-51.   They came roaring out at half and actually took a 4 point lead midway through the 3rd period.

Andre Drummond and Josh Smith both would big games for the Pistons with Drummond getting a double/double 20 points and 15 rebounds.  Josh Smith would hit for 25 points before fouling out of the game.   Chauncey Billups playing again for the Pistons a crowd favorite would go almost scoreless until hitting a 3 pointer late in the game.  

The Pistons showed signs of moving in the right direction under new Head Coach Maurice Cheeks the NBA veteran player and coach.   His style I feel with fit the Pistons well in the long run with a good group of new young players coming into their own.  

The Detroit Pistons are promoting the heck out of this young team in order to draw some sell out crowds back to the Palace.   It wasn't too long ago that they had a run of 220 consecutive sell outs there.   You can walk right up to the box office and get a seat on the floor.   I have been to see the top two players this season LeBron James and Kevin Durant and they can't sell the place out.  We'll see what happens on November 28th when the Los Angeles Lakers come to town with Kobe Bryant.   I don't expect a sell out then either.