From the HERE City National Desk
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A third quarter that turned into a rout carried the Detroit Pistons to a 110-94 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night at Barclays Center, opening Emirates NBA Cup group play for both teams.
Brooklyn led 28-21 after one quarter and pushed the margin to 10 early in the second before Detroit took over. The Pistons won the second period 35-21 to lead 56-49 at the half, with Duncan Robinson scoring 10 of his 17 points in that stretch and Ausar Thompson attacking the rim.
The third quarter belonged to reserve forward Ron Holland II. He had been shooting under 30% through five games and had missed all seven of his 3-point tries this season. He made 4 of 5 shots in the period, including his first two 3-pointers of the year, and poured in 12 points, on his way to a season-best 18, while Cade Cunningham rested. Detroit outscored Brooklyn 36-17 in the quarter and led by 30 early in the fourth.
Cunningham was the top Detroit scorer at 20, adding five boards and four assists. Paul Reed chipped in 12, while Thompson posted 11 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists. Detroit forced 24 turnovers and turned them into 25 points.
Moritz Wagner scored 16 for Brooklyn and Julius Randle had 15 on 4-of-13 shooting. The Nets made just 11 of 37 from 3-point range.
Detroit is 5-1. Brooklyn fell to 0-5, its second straight winless start through five games, and is the only Eastern Conference team without a victory. The Pistons next play in the Cup on Nov. 20 at home against Toronto.
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