Pistons, Nuggets celebrating 1st-time All-Stars ahead of clash

The Detroit Pistons made franchise history in their most recent victory. They'll be content to just get another win when they host the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.

Detroit opened a four-game homestand with a 130-77 thrashing of the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. The 53-point margin was the largest in franchise history.

All 12 players that coach J.B. Bickerstaff utilized had at least two made baskets and one assist.

"That's the best part about it," he said. "You put yourself in a position where everybody gets to contribute. These guys put in so much work and time. (They) sacrifice so much for one another for the ultimate goal of being able to get out there and help. ... Most pleased that we continue to play to our standard. That was the most impressive part."

Center Jalen Duren, who was named an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve on Sunday, had 21 points and 10 rebounds. He found out in the first quarter that he had been chosen for his first All-Star appearance.

"It was tough because I'm trying to focus on the game. I didn't really want to know until the end," Duren said. "But it's a blessing, man. It's hard not to smile. It's hard not to be happy. Just a testament to the work. I thank my teammates, my coaches and everybody who helped me get here. Couldn't do it alone. Just happy."

The Pistons were actually up just five points midway through the second quarter. The lead increased to 23 by halftime and continued to balloon.

"It's growth for us," Bickerstaff said. "There were games earlier even this season where we got a big lead and then we let our foot off the gas a little bit and fumbled the lead, had to figure out a way to win it in the fourth quarter. So, we talk about it all the time. We never expect to start the season as good as we expect to finish it. And for us, it's always about taking those steps of continuing to improve."

Denver lost to defending champion Oklahoma City on Sunday, 121-111. Nikola Jokic scored just 16 points and committed six turnovers in his second game back after missing the previous 16 with a knee injury.

Jamal Murray, who was named a Western Conference All-Star reserve for the first time in his career, was held to 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting.

"When I saw (the announcement), so many things went through my mind," Nuggets coach David Adelman said of Murray's All-Star selection. "Multiple 50-point games. Multiple 50-point games in the playoffs. Let's see. Triple-double in the Finals. NBA champion. Most wins in the West over the last 10 years. He's the point guard of that team. Fifty-five piece (in a game) last year. Seventeen assists (in a game) this year. NBA All-Star.

"In my mind, all those things make sense, except for the one that was missing. Maybe All-NBA, maybe he'll be considered."

The game on Tuesday begins a three-game road trip for the Nuggets. Detroit squeaked out a 109-107 win over the host Nuggets in the teams' first meeting last Tuesday. Tobias Harris and Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 22 points apiece, while Murray scored a game-high 24.

--Field Level Media