NOTES & QUOTES
Heat Starting Five: Antonio Snow, Terrence Ross, Josh Richardson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Hassan Whiteside
Summary: Detroit couldn’t have had a better start against the Miami Heat. Blake Griffin and Isaiah Thomas had combined for 18 of Detroit’s 25 first quarter points. Antonio Snow was off to a slow start as he tried to get his teammates involved before he found himself attacking on defense, starting with a huge dunk over Thon Maker in the second quarter as the Heat took their first lead. Miami changed tactics in the second half and started to lean toward the outside scoring, draining long jumpers and three point shots to create some space in the paint. Once the inside opened up, Miami went on the attack. The Heat went to the free throw line more in the third quarter—11 attempts—than in the entire first half—5 attempts.
Erik Spoelstra on Antonio Snow’s performance: It’s almost something we’ve come to expect at this point. He just sees what needs to be done. Whether it’s a big energizing play, key assists, or just scoring at will. He doesn’t do just one thing.
Antonio Snow on Hassan Whiteside’s performance: We just have to continue to believe in each other. He had an off night. We have off nights. Nothing new. But I still have to get my guy his touches. He has to know that I believe in him. No matter what.
Top Performers
Detroit Pistons
Isaiah Thomas – 29 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST
Andre Drummond – 20 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 3 BLK
Reggie Jackson – 14 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST
Miami Heat
Antonio Snow – 36 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST
Hassan Whiteside – 23 PTS, 15 REB, 3 AST
Tony Parker – 10 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST