Once again, the Detroit Pistons closed out a game in dramatic fashion. While hosting the Houston Rockets for the first and only time this season, the Pistons found themselves playing early and often over.

The league continues to learn that this year’s Detroit team is not the same as last year’s. They fight hard throughout all four quarters and will make an opponent pay if they don’t protect themselves.

At the same time, the Pistons made many mistakes that they had to work on all year. On Sunday afternoon against the Rockets, the lack of early shooting, turnovers and seven rebounds allowed the Rockets to take control of the game.

The game was played until the end. Although the Pistons trailed by nine points in the third quarter, they outscored the Rockets 35-29 in the fourth quarter.

Detroit’s fate came down to free throws. Veteran forward Tobias Harris had the opportunity to make two free throws to tie the game with one second left, taking the game to overtime. After missing his first attempt, he had to throw a hail attempt in hopes that Detroit would get the ball back and score a quick two.

The Pistons’ comeback attempt has officially failed.

@Pistons_Jack: Another heartbreak They fought hard, but missed rebounds killed Detroit tonight. Cade was a monster, finishing with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Frustrating loss, but man, this team fights. I’m proud.

@riandownbad: The Pistons Rockets are OG low-spike hoops

@Pistons__Talk: Houston bounces us tonight, which is one of the many reasons they won this game tonight.

@Charlottean28: I don’t want to hear about games the Pistons should have won. Bad teams find ways to lose games in the 4th quarter. This is a very consistent trait for all bad teams. If you are 4-7 and you missed 4 games in a crunch time, congratulations, you are a bad team.

@ohnohedidnt24: Difficult end for the Pistons

With this defeat, the Pistons end the week with two wins and two losses. There are now 4 to 7 in the year.

On Tuesday, the Pistons will participate in their first NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat. They will be back on the court the next evening to face the Milwaukee Bucks.