ORLANDO -- The Detroit Pistons used a hot-shooting first half to put distance between them and the Boston Celtics in Thursday's first Orlando Pro Summer League game, and went on to ride second-year point guard Brandon Knight to victory. Detroit prevailed, 93-79, sending the Celtics to their first loss of the week.
Orlando Pro Summer League: Brandon Knight Stars As Pistons Rout Celtics
Star player: Knight played arguably the best game of any point guard this week, finishing with 19 points and 14 assists. He set the tone for Detroit early by pushing the pace, and he made great reads out of the pick-and-roll. His ability to scramble Boston’s defense, and either find an open shooter or get his own shot, keyed Detroit to victory.
Honorable mention: JaJuan Johnson is known more for his energy and athleticism than for his offensive skill, but he proved Thursday he can fill it up on occasion. On a day when the Celtics shot just 36.1 percent, Johnson nailed half of his shots and showed confidence in his jumper. He also tallied six rebounds and three blocks.
Disappointing player: Jared Sullinger failed to make an impact for the Celtics. The rookie big man, considered one of the steals of the Draft after Boston picked him No. 20 overall, shot just 2-of-9 from the floor for 11 points, and had seven rebounds in his 28 minutes. Perhaps fatigue was a factor for the former Buckeye; he doesn't appear to be in playing shape and he's playing his fourth game in as many days.
Dishonorable mention: Fellow rookie Fab Melo went scoreless in 16 minutes with three rebounds and two blocks. Melo does not look NBA-ready just yet, though the Syracuse product looked right at home anchoring the Celtics' 2-3 zone for portions of the second half.
Prospect watch: Pistons center Andre Drummond, the highest 2012 Draft choice in the Orlando Pro Summer League (No. 9 overall), made his presence felt with 10 points, eight boards, and two blocks. Drummond ran the floor surprisingly well and showed good touch around the rim.
Fourth-year forward Austin Daye had a forgettable morning shooting the ball, going just 5-of-14 from the floor, but showed his versatility by hauling in eight boards and blocking four shots for Detroit.
Rookie swingman Kris Joseph, whom the Celtics selected with the No. 51 overall pick in 2012, put up a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double.
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