The Detroit Pistons tipped off their 2011-2012 season with a preseason game against the Cleveland Cavs on Friday night. The game was aired on NBATV and gave fans around the nation a nice glimpse at what a game between two lottery teams who haven't played a game in eight months looks like.
The teams shot a combined 54-for-148 (36%) from the field and 91 free throws thanks to 57 personal fouls. There were 18 blocked shots and 42 turnovers.
15 free throw attempts went to the Cavs' No. 1 pick Kyrie Irving, who had 14 points at the half and finished with 21 points overall. For the Pistons, Greg Monroe, who had 21 double-doubles last year, finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds in just under 27 minutes. No. 8 pick overall Brandon Knight looked solid at times, finishing with nine points and four assists. Austin Daye was the team's scoring leader with 18 points on 6-for-12 shooting. He also had six rebounds and five blocks.
Jonas Jerebko was very active and looked healthy in his first game action since tearing his achilles in a preseason game vs. the Heat last year. He was only 1-for-6 shooting and fouled out in 17 minutes, though.
The Pistons and Cavs play again on Tuesday in Cleveland to cap off the two-game preseason.