The Detroit Pistons have just wrapped up a challenging Western road trip, and I’m thrilled to report they’ve exceeded expectations. Before the trip, I set a goal for the team to go 3-1, which seemed ambitious given the caliber of opponents. Remarkably, the Pistons achieved this target, securing victories against formidable teams like the Kings, Lakers, and Suns before falling to the Nuggets in the final game.
This successful run has positioned the Pistons at 14-18, a record that surpasses many preseason predictions. They’re now tied with the Bulls for the ninth seed and just one game behind the seventh seed. This encouraging position speaks volumes about the team’s growth and resilience.
Key factors in the Pistons’ road trip success
One of the standout performers during this stretch was Jaden Ivey. After returning from a knee injury, Ivey has been on fire, shooting an impressive 57% from the field and 55% from three-point range over the last four games. His performance, particularly his game-winning shot against the Kings, has been crucial to the team’s success.
Another pleasant surprise has been the emergence of Paul Reed as a defensive anchor. Despite being the third-string center, Reed’s impact on both ends of the floor has been undeniable. His ability to rack up assists, steals, and blocks while committing zero turnovers has been a game-changer for the Pistons.
Challenges ahead: The Tobias Harris conundrum
While there’s much to celebrate, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room - Tobias Harris’s underwhelming performance. As Detroit’s marquee free-agent signing, Harris was expected to provide veteran leadership and consistent scoring. While he’s excelled in the locker room, his on-court production has been disappointing.
Harris is experiencing one of his worst statistical seasons since his rookie year. His percentiles in key offensive categories have plummeted compared to last season. This decline is particularly concerning given the Pistons’ reliance on Harris as their primary power forward.
Despite these struggles, the Pistons find themselves in a tricky situation. With limited options at the four, they can’t simply bench Harris. The hope is that he’ll find his rhythm and return to the form that made him such an attractive free-agent target.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ recent performances, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• The need for increased playing time for Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson
• Analysis of the Pistons’ starting lineup struggles
• Breakdown of the Denver Nuggets game and fourth-quarter comeback
