Detroit Pistons defense locks down Minnesota Timberwolves on the road

MINNEAPOLIS – A strong defensive performance allowed the Detroit Pistons to overcome their offensive mistakes. They blew out the Minnesota Timberwolves, 109-87, to improve to 54-20 on Saturday, March 28. The Pistons held the Wolves to just 31.

8% shooting, the second-lowest percentage of any of their opponents this season. Saturday also marked their fifth time holding an opponent below 90 points. It allowed them to overcome 20 turnovers, as they only gave up seven Minnesota points scored off of them.

They were led by Tobias Harris, who scored 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting. Daniss Jenkins added 13 points and eight assists, and Ron Holland also scored 13 while locking down a pair of 3-pointers. BIG DEAL: Kevin Huerter finally delivering value for Detroit Pistons after trade Detroit Pistons playoff picture The victory matched the Pistons' fourth-best total in franchise history and stretched their lead over the Boston Celtics (who were idle Saturday) for the No.

1 seed in the Eastern Conference to 4½ games. The Pistons have already clinched the playoffs as well as homecourt in the first round; they dropped their “magic number” to clinch the East’s top spot to four (any combination of Pistons wins and Celtics losses). The Pistons are also on the brink of clinching their first Central Division title since 2007-08 (which was also the last time they won a playoff series); they’re eight games up on the Cavs with eight to play (with a tiebreaker undecided).