Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee has stepped it up in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, leading the W’s with 17 points thus far. Despite Lee’s efforts Golden State still find themselves trailing at the half, largely due to Detroit’s big man Greg Monroe, helping the Pistons take a 48-44 lead into the locker room.

Lee finished the first half 7-9 from the floor, while Monta Ellis has five points on only 1-4 shooting thus far. Brandon Rush has been contributing off the bench with eight first half points, while Ekpe Udoh and Nate Robinson have 4 apiece.

Monroe finished the first half with 17 as well, along with 6 boards. Tayshawn Prince added 10 and four boards of his own. Monroe, the Pistons’ 2010 first round draft pick, was chosen one slot behind Ekpe Udoh in that draft, leaving some to criticize the pick with the production of Monroe lately. Let’s see if Ekpe can turn it up in the second half, or if the W’s can cool down Monroe.

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