The Detroit Pistons showcased their trademark resilience, clawing back from a daunting 21-point deficit to push the game against the Hawks into overtime. Despite their valiant effort, they ultimately fell short, primarily due to cold shooting and an off night from their bench.
In the NBA, moral victories don't count on the scoreboard, as JB Bickerstaff noted post-game. Yet, the Pistons' refusal to give up, even with their star player sidelined by a collapsed lung, speaks volumes about their grit and determination.
They were just a Duren layup away from sealing the win in overtime. This matchup could be a preview of their first-round playoff series, and the Pistons have shown they can compete with the Hawks, even without Cade Cunningham. With him back in the lineup, Detroit could potentially dominate.
However, the game also highlighted a potential Achilles' heel for the Pistons: their 3-point shooting.
3-Point Shooting Woes
The Pistons' struggles from beyond the arc have been a persistent issue. They've managed to compensate with strong performances in the paint and solid defense.
Against the Hawks, they dominated inside, boasting a +26 advantage in the paint. But their 3-point shooting was a different story, hitting just 9-of-33 for a mere 27 percent.
The Hawks, on the other hand, were on fire from deep, sinking 18 triples and effectively neutralizing Detroit's paint advantage. The Pistons don't need to be lights out from three, but they can't afford to dip below 30 percent and expect to win against top-tier teams.
While Duncan Robinson and Tobias Harris delivered, the rest of the squad, including the bench, struggled to find their rhythm from downtown.
Bench Production is Key
The Pistons' bench has been a bright spot recently, contributing significantly to their success without Cunningham. However, last night underscored what happens when the bench fails to deliver.
For Detroit to thrive, they need at least one bench player to hit double figures. Any additional 3-point contributions would be a bonus. Unfortunately, the bench was ice-cold, going just 1-of-12 from beyond the arc.
Paul Reed and Caris LeVert combined for a 5-of-14 shooting performance, missing opportunities both inside and out.
Even with Cunningham's eventual return, the Pistons must improve their 3-point shooting and ensure their bench holds its own. The Hawks' bench outscored Detroit's backups, despite not having a stellar night themselves-a scenario the Pistons can't afford in the playoffs.
In summary, while the Pistons' fighting spirit is commendable, addressing their shooting inconsistencies and bench production will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.