Detroit — When the Pistons needed Nerlens Noel the most, the veteran big man proved he still had plenty left in the tank to anchor a defense.
Noel’s interior defense in the third quarter of Wednesday’s blowout win over the Timberwolves ignited several fast breaks, which was new territory for the Pistons.
It allowed them to run and get out in transition. They didn’t have to rely on half-court sets to produce offense. They shared the ball. Most importantly, Noel’s play carried over to his young teammates, and the Pistons’ overall defense improved.