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Detroit Pistons’ Struggles: A Closer Look at the Loss to the Charlotte Hornets
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) and Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) go after a loose ball during the second half at the Spectrum Center.
| Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons faced another challenging game, falling to the Charlotte Hornets in a nail-biting overtime finish. Despite a valiant effort in the fourth quarter, the Pistons couldn’t secure the win, and it’s clear why they didn’t deserve it. Let’s break down the key factors that contributed to this tough loss.
Cade Cunningham’s Performance and Impact
Cade Cunningham, the face of the franchise, had a mixed performance. While he ended the game with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, his shooting efficiency was a concern. Cunningham shot just 9 of 26 from the field, a mere 34%. Despite his struggles, his presence on the court was crucial, as the Pistons were better with him playing. His ability to create opportunities for others and his defensive contributions were evident, but he must improve his shooting efficiency to lead the team effectively.
Cunningham’s turnovers were another issue, with five in this game. While high-usage players like him can have higher turnovers, it’s essential to keep them in check. The Pistons need Cunningham to be more efficient and reduce turnovers to maximize his impact on the game.
Turnovers and Defensive Woes
Turnovers plagued the Pistons, with the team committing 19 in total. While Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, the primary ball handlers, accounted for eight, the rest of the team added 11 more. Low-usage players turning the ball over is a recipe for disaster, and the Pistons need to address this issue to avoid similar outcomes in future games.
Defensively, the Pistons are showing signs of regression. Despite holding some weaker teams to lower scores, their defense has been slipping against stronger opponents. The Hornets exploited their defensive weaknesses, with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller combining for 73 points. The Pistons struggled with communication and execution, leading to open shots for the Hornets. Improving their defensive cohesion and communication is crucial to prevent further losses.
The Pistons’ inability to dominate the glass was another factor in their loss. Without Mark Williams on the opposing side, they were expected to control the boards, but Musa Diabate outworked them with 16 rebounds. The Pistons need to bring more intensity and physicality to win these battles and set the tone for the game.
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:
- The potential impact of Cade Cunningham’s injury on the Pistons’ upcoming games.
- Analysis of the Pistons’ offensive struggles without Cunningham on the floor.
- Discussion on the need for a backup point guard and how it affects the team’s performance.
- A look at Tobias Harris’s performance and its significance for the Pistons moving forward.
They’ve had close wins, technical wins, nail-biters and blow-outs; they’ve (reportedly) turned down superstars and and currently sit third in the west with a record of 11-5 — In a Western Conference finally coming alive, can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
The Rockets are on pace to tie or surpass the franchise’s win record of 64, set by a team led by James Harden in 2017-2018. It was Harden’s — and all the failed years of being in the running for title contention — ghost that still hung over the franchise as recently as last season, no matter that Harden himself has been part of three different rosters since he sulked his way out of Houston. Everything from the Rockets brand of basketball to the team’s waylaid trajectory back into competition had been set and then upended by him.
It was something of an exorcism then, that Houston handily beat Harden’s current team, the Clippers, in back-to-back games this week.
What feels especially lasting about the winning pace the Rockets have set is that there’s plenty room for the team to improve. Houston’s sitting at 25th overall in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point percentage, and is still claiming the ninth overall offensive ranking in the league. Their starters have all been shooting well below their career bests, and yet, nothing about the Rockets’ wins have looked harried.
For a team that has an average of just four years NBA experience between them, there’s a wealth of patience. When the Rockets have been pressed this season, or teams like the Pacers and Bulls have tried to rush them with pace, they fall back on snapping passes and sinking into ball movement. There are still sequences of ISO ball and flubbed defensive rotations, but Houston has leaned into their transitions as opportunities to reset. No doubt in part to having the always unflappable Fred VanVleet driving this thing, plus the veteran offensive ballasts of Jeff Green and Dillon Brooks.
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
Injury Cade Cunningham exited the game early, leading to the Pistons’ defeat against the Hornets. His early departure was a critical blow to the team’s chances of securing a win. Cunningham’s injury details and its impact are discussed. (Freep)
Analysis Turnovers plagued the Detroit Pistons, threatening their promising start to the season. The team must address these issues to maintain their competitive edge. Turnover analysis explains the root causes and potential solutions. (Freep)
Legacy Will NBA expansion bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle? Find out. (The Athletic)
Biz Amid their early-season tank, the Sixers expected to scour the trade market for power forwards. (Real GM)
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Franz Wagner A First Round Fantasy Basketball Player?
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (4) after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 3-point basket with 2.5 seconds left in the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic edged out the LA Lakers with a 119-118 victory. The game was a showcase of talent and strategy, with the Magic overcoming a deficit to secure the win. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a stellar 37 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around game, including four steals and four threes, solidified his status as a top fantasy asset. Wagner’s recent performances have elevated him to first-round value in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sell-high candidate, though his current form might make holding onto him equally appealing.
Dalton Knecht’s Role and Performance
Dalton Knecht played a significant role for the Lakers, logging the most minutes on the team. While his 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist were solid, they highlighted the limitations in his fantasy profile. Knecht’s reliance on scoring and shooting efficiency means that while he’s a valuable asset, his contributions in other categories remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely, especially as the Lakers adjust their rotations.
Anthony Black’s Consistency Concerns
Anthony Black’s performance was less consistent, with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 25% shooting. While his recent games have shown flashes of potential, this outing underscores the volatility in his production. Fantasy managers who picked up Black for his upside should consider holding him through the Magic’s favourable schedule but remain cautious about his long-term consistency.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pistons podcasts.
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.
Detroit Pistons’ Defensive Struggles: Can They Guard Stretch Bigs? Can the Detroit Pistons Overcome Their Defensive Woes? The Detroit Pistons face a critical challenge as they struggle to defend against stretch bigs like Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls. This game highlighted their vulnerability to five-out offenses, raising questions about their defensive strategy.
Jalen Duren’s Role in Detroit Pistons’ Future: Trade or Keep? Is Jalen Duren the Future of the Detroit Pistons? The Detroit Pistons are making waves with their unexpected 7-9 start, but questions loom about Jalen Duren’s role and efficiency. Could a trade be on the horizon for the young star? Meanwhile, Tobias Harris faces scrutiny for his offensive struggles, despite his leadership and cultural impact on the team.
