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Detroit Pistons’ Defensive Struggles: A Closer Look
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) defends during the first half at Little Caesars Arena.
|Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons recently faced a challenging game against the Chicago Bulls, revealing significant defensive weaknesses. It’s crucial to dissect these issues to understand where improvements are needed. The Pistons had a chance to even their record but fell short, primarily due to their inability to defend against the Bulls’ five-out offense. This game highlighted a recurring problem: the struggle to guard stretch bigs, particularly with Jalen Duren’s defensive limitations.
Defensive Breakdown Against the Bulls
The Pistons entered the game with a respectable defensive ranking, but the Bulls exposed a critical flaw. Nikola Vucevic’s performance was a testament to this, as he scored 29 points, including six three-pointers. The Pistons’ defensive strategy was unable to contain him, and their attempts to adjust were ineffective. The initial drop coverage allowed Vucevic too much space, leading to easy three-point opportunities. When the Pistons switched to a full-on switching defense, it resulted in mismatches and open shots for other Bulls players.
The Pistons’ defensive rotations were often late, and their attempts to cover Vucevic’s shooting were unsuccessful. This inability to guard stretch bigs has been a persistent issue, as seen in previous games against teams with similar offensive setups. Duren’s struggles in defending outside the paint were evident, and despite his offensive contributions, his defensive lapses were costly.
Jalen Duren’s Defensive Challenges
Duren’s performance was a mixed bag. Offensively, he had a solid game with 15 points and 22 rebounds, but his defensive shortcomings were glaring. The Pistons’ defense crumbled against the Bulls’ strategy, which capitalized on Duren’s inability to guard beyond the paint. This has been a recurring theme, as seen in previous matchups against teams with stretch bigs.
The Pistons need to find a solution to this defensive vulnerability. While Duren’s offensive skills are promising, his defensive game requires significant improvement. The coaching staff must explore different defensive strategies or consider lineup adjustments to address this issue. The Pistons’ success hinges on their ability to adapt and strengthen their defense against versatile offenses.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ defensive challenges, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
- Cade Cunningham’s evolving shot selection and its impact on his performance.
- Isaiah Stewart’s role and potential adjustments for the Pistons’ lineup.
- Analysis of the Pistons’ recent games and their implications for the season.
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Jaden Ivey’s journey with the Pistons is filled with potential and promise. Dive into his story and see why he’s a key player to watch this season. (Detroit Free Press)
Roster Malik Beasley is powering the Pistons’ encouraging start this season. His performance has been a bright spot for Detroit. (Detroit Free Press)
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pistons podcasts.
Detroit Pistons’ Loss To Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks: What Went Wrong This Time? The Detroit Pistons faced a tough overtime defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks, despite leading for much of the game. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stellar 59-point performance, aided by Isaiah Stewart’s ejection, proved too much for the Pistons. Cade Cunningham’s clutch scoring in the fourth quarter and overtime kept the Pistons in contention, yet some fans remain critical. The episode explores Malik Beasley’s impressive shooting, Ron Holland’s development, and the Pistons’ competitive edge compared to last season.
Detroit Pistons’ Loss To Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks: What Went Wrong This Time? The Detroit Pistons faced a tough overtime defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks, despite leading for much of the game. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stellar 59-point performance, aided by Isaiah Stewart’s ejection, proved too much for the Pistons. Cade Cunningham’s clutch scoring in the fourth quarter and overtime kept the Pistons in contention, yet some fans remain critical. The episode explores Malik Beasley’s impressive shooting, Ron Holland’s development, and the Pistons’ competitive edge compared to last season.
Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham Propel the Detroit Pistons Over The Washington Wizards The Detroit Pistons stunned the Washington Wizards with a decisive 124-104 victory, showcasing their potential in the NBA. Jaden Ivey’s impressive 28 points and 8 assists, alongside Cade Cunningham’s triple-double, highlight the Pistons’ dynamic play.
