The Detroit Pistons did the best they could this offseason with a limited amount of salary space to work with. Meanwhile the Dallas Mavericks made their big moves before last year’s trade deadline and added complimentary pieces this summer.
Last season the two teams split a pair of possession games with each team winning on their homecourt. But the Mavericks seem markedly improved with a healthy Kristaps Porzingis entering the equation.
Dallas won the first game on its home court, 106-101. It was another case of the Pistons relying on Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond to carry the load, which they did, but not having a third and fourth player step up and make shots.