The Detroit Pistons have faced a challenging start to the season, with their recent loss to the Boston Celtics highlighting persistent fourth-quarter issues. Despite holding a lead late in the game, the Pistons couldn’t seal the victory, raising questions about their ability to close out games. As someone who has been closely following the team, I want to address some misconceptions and provide a clearer picture of what’s happening on the court.
Understanding the Fourth Quarter Woes
The Pistons have lost three games where they held a lead late, prompting many to wonder why they can’t finish strong. It’s important to note that it’s only a three-game sample size, and the team has faced a tough opening schedule. The Pistons are not simply resorting to isolation plays in the final minutes. In fact, they are running structured offenses and creating good opportunities. The issue lies in execution—players need to make the shots when it counts.
For instance, during the game against the Celtics, the Pistons ran multiple guard-on-guard actions involving Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham, which led to open shots for players like Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. Unfortunately, these shots didn’t fall. The team is generating the right looks, but the shots aren’t connecting. It’s a matter of players stepping up and making plays when it matters most.
The Role of the Crowd and Player Performance
The atmosphere at the game was electric, with the crowd playing a significant role in the Pistons’ comeback attempt. The energy in the arena was palpable, and it undoubtedly fueled the team’s efforts on the court. However, despite the support, the Pistons fell short due to missed opportunities.
The lineup that sparked the comeback included Cunningham, Malik Beasley, Simone Fontecchio, Ivey, and Isaiah Stewart. This group was effective in both offense and defense, but a late-game decision to revert to Harris and Hardaway Jr. may have been a misstep. While it’s easy to point fingers, the reality is that the Pistons need their veterans to deliver in crunch time.
The Pistons’ defensive adjustments, particularly with Stewart’s involvement, helped contain the Celtics’ three-point barrage. The team switched to a more aggressive defensive strategy, which limited Boston’s open looks. This change was crucial in keeping the game competitive.
The Pistons’ early-season struggles are not due to a lack of effort or poor strategy. They are facing some of the toughest teams in the league, and while the results haven’t been favorable, the process is sound. The team is creating opportunities; they just need to capitalize on them.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ performance, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
- Jaden Ivey’s impressive start to the season
- Preview of the upcoming game against the Miami Heat
- Analysis of the Pistons’ challenging opening schedule
- Discussion on potential lineup changes and strategies
