Andre Drummond‘s ankle injury placed a real problem in front of the Detroit Pistons, as they hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder without their very valuable centerpiece.

Russell Westbrook had been on a tear since the start of the season and his ability to fearlessly challenge the rim without a shot-stopper like Drummond appeared to cost the Pistons dearly. Drummond's back-up, Aron Baynes, impressed just about everyone in the arena, starting in his place and collecting 20 points to go with eight rebounds, helping Detroit net a convincing 104-88 win.

Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy was effusive in his praise for the big Aussie.

“He’s a starting center in the NBA, he’s just playing behind an All-Star,” Van Gundy told Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. “When you look around at all the starting centers and Aron’s a starting center, a starting-caliber center in this league.”

Baynes was complimentary of his teammates and the trust of his coach to fill in Drummond's big shoes.

“I put it back on everyone else,” Baynes said. “They put me in great position all the way throughout the team. They got me great looks and I just had to finish.”

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Drummond’s injury also created an opportunity for Boban Marjanovic, who was signed to a three-year deal in the off-season as insurance for Baynes likely testing the free-agent market. Van Gundy said he was eager to see the 7-foot-3 giant getting more substantial minutes.

Marjanovic only totaled four points, four rebounds, and two blocks, but has quickly become a fan favorite at the Palace of Auburn Hills. He scored his first points by posterizing Oklahoma City's Steven Adams without even leaving his feet, to the amazement of the crowd.

“Plays like that you just sit back and really kind of smile and laugh like, ‘Dang, that really just happened,’ but Bo is a great player and it’s awesome to see the fan support he gets,” said forward Tobias Harris. “It’s cool to see that – even in other cities to see how much they love him.”

The Pistons have started the season 5-0 at home and will take to the road against the New York Knicks on Wednesday.