The Detroit Pistons’ five-game winning streak came to an end as they fell to the Golden State Warriors 107-104 in a closely contested matchup. Despite the loss, there’s no need for Pistons fans to lose hope. The team’s recent success and improved play are still cause for optimism.
One of the most surprising aspects of this game was Stephen Curry’s uncharacteristically poor shooting performance. Curry went 5-for-21 from the field, including 2-for-14 from three-point range. When a team manages to contain Curry to this extent, it typically results in a victory. However, the Warriors found other ways to secure the win.
The Pistons’ defense struggled mightily throughout the game, particularly against Golden State’s off-ball movement and split actions. The Warriors consistently found open looks and easy baskets, exploiting Detroit’s defensive miscommunications. This forced head coach Monty Williams to implement a zone defense in the third quarter, a strategy he hadn’t used all season.
While the zone initially disrupted the Warriors’ offense, it ultimately led to rebounding issues for Detroit. Golden State capitalized on this, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds and creating numerous second-chance opportunities.
Cade Cunningham’s performance was a tale of two halves. He struggled in the first half, committing several turnovers and failing to find his rhythm. However, Cunningham bounced back strong in the second half, finishing with 32 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. His 18-point fourth quarter nearly led the Pistons to a comeback victory.
The loss highlighted some areas of concern for Detroit moving forward. The team’s lack of secondary creators behind Cunningham was evident, as the Warriors focused their defensive attention on him. This strategy forced other Pistons players to make plays, exposing the team’s limitations in shot creation.
Additionally, the Pistons’ struggles defending in space and containing player movement were on full display. These issues have persisted throughout the season and will need to be addressed if the team hopes to continue its upward trajectory.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ loss to the Warriors, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• Simone Fontecchio’s recent struggles and decision-making
• Jalen Duren’s defensive improvements over the last five games
• The importance of utilizing Duren’s ball-handling skills in the offense
