The Detroit Pistons have once again found themselves on the losing end of a game they had every chance to win. Facing the Houston Rockets, the Pistons fell short with a 101-99 loss, marking yet another instance of late-game collapse. This pattern is becoming all too familiar, and it’s a concern that needs addressing if the team hopes to make a serious push for the playoffs.
Offensive Rebounds and Execution Woes
One of the glaring issues in the Pistons’ recent loss was their inability to secure defensive rebounds, particularly in the fourth quarter. The Rockets capitalized on this weakness, grabbing multiple offensive boards and converting them into second-chance points. This inability to control the glass has been a recurring problem, and it’s costing the Pistons games they should be winning.
The offensive execution down the stretch was another area where the Pistons faltered. Despite Cade Cunningham’s efforts, including a crucial and-one play, the team struggled to maintain their lead. Jaden Ivey, who had his worst game of the season, made several poor decisions in the final minutes, contributing to the Pistons’ downfall. The team must find a way to execute better in these critical moments if they want to turn these close losses into wins.
Cade Cunningham’s Role and the Need for Consistency
Cade Cunningham has been a bright spot for the Pistons, showing signs of taking the next step in his development. He’s been more engaged defensively and has improved his shooting within the paint. However, the team needs to ensure that Cunningham remains the focal point of their offense in crunch time. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates is invaluable, and going away from him in key moments is a mistake the Pistons can’t afford to make.
The Pistons have invested heavily in improving their shooting, yet their performance from beyond the arc has been underwhelming. Shooting just 32% from deep in the game against the Rockets, the team needs to find consistency in this area. With the roster built around shooters, this aspect of their game must start to deliver.
The Pistons’ late-game struggles are a significant hurdle in their quest for a playoff spot. If they continue to let winnable games slip away, it could cost them dearly at the end of the season. The team must address their rebounding issues and ensure that Cunningham remains central to their offensive strategy. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ challenges and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
- Is Cade Cunningham taking the next step in his development?
- The impact of Jaden Ivey’s performance on the team’s success
- Analyzing the Pistons’ shooting woes and potential fixes
- The importance of defensive rebounding in close games
