A mini two-game losing streak was on the minds of the OKC Thunder as they traveled to Detroit. Although this was easier competition the Thunder battled hard to try to stay in the match the night prior versus the Clippers. As such the club was fatigued and needed this win.
Although the Thunder avoided their bad habits of starting games slow and not bringing defensive effort out of the break this game wasn’t a gimme.
Even with a 16-point lead at one stage in the third quarter the Thunder were aware of their fatigue level. Factoring in the Pistons hadn’t played since Sunday in Sacramento meaning they were the much more rested club.