In what was arguably the most crucial game for the Detroit Pistons in recent years, the team faced a disappointing defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks. This loss knocked them out of the in-season tournament and highlighted several areas of concern that need immediate attention.
The Foul Dilemma
One of the major talking points among fans has been the officiating and the number of fouls called during the game. However, it’s important to note that the Pistons had more free throw attempts than the Bucks, shooting 22 compared to Milwaukee’s 21. The foul count was also relatively close, with the Pistons committing 21 fouls to the Bucks’ 17. Complaining about the officiating, especially when the numbers don’t support a significant discrepancy, is not a valid excuse for the loss. Giannis Antetokounmpo, much like Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James, is a physical force on the court. Watching him live, it’s evident that he gets fouled almost every time he touches the ball. The Pistons’ inability to handle his physicality was a key factor in their defeat.
Defensive Shortcomings
The Pistons’ defense, which started the season strong, is beginning to show cracks. They simply don’t have the personnel to match up against a team like the Bucks. Starting Jalen Duren on Giannis and Tobias Harris on Brook Lopez was the best they could do, but it led to mismatches and foul trouble. Duren, for instance, was limited to just 19 minutes due to five fouls. The Pistons’ defensive rotations were also lacking, leading to open three-point shots for the Bucks, who capitalized by hitting 23 threes. The Pistons’ inability to guard the pick-and-roll effectively, especially against Giannis, further exposed their defensive vulnerabilities.
Offensive Struggles
Offensively, the Pistons failed to step up. Cade Cunningham, while efficient, needed to be more aggressive. In a game where the Pistons fell behind, Cunningham should have taken more than 16 shots. His passivity was a missed opportunity for the team to potentially keep the game competitive. The Pistons needed Cunningham to take charge and attempt to take over the game, even if it meant being less efficient. His free throw shooting, which has been subpar this season, also needs improvement.
The Pistons’ offensive woes were compounded by poor shot selection and decision-making from Jaden Ivey. The backcourt, which is supposed to be the team’s foundation, did not deliver in this crucial matchup. The Pistons need more from their key players to compete against top-tier teams like the Bucks.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ performance and prospects, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
- Is the Pistons’ season starting to fall apart?
- A look ahead at the challenging schedule against the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.
- The impact of Ausar Thompson’s minutes restriction on the team’s performance.
- Analysis of the Pistons’ defensive rotations and personnel challenges.
- The importance of Cade Cunningham’s leadership and scoring in crucial games.
