DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Pistons started the home opener much like they did the season opener. Despite the fan energy , the team dragged up and down the court with low energy, no offensive cohesion and 2 foul’s for Cade Cunningham.
The Boston Celtics came out aggressively double teaming Cunningham while also running a full court press. That was a similar strategy the Chicago Bulls ran while constantly bringing a third defender whenever Cunningham drove to the hoop.
Even Tobias Harris was subject to double-teams any time he tried to post up. Teams have been seeking to make life uncomfortable for the main offensive fixtures right at the start. Something very different from what they experienced to begin last season coming off winning a franchise low 14 games.
But a season removed from making the playoffs and the Detroit Pistons aren’t sneaking up on anyone. And it’s showing more and more with how serious teams are taking them this early in the year.
Put Some Respect on the Pistons
“It’s a respect thing,” JB Bickerstaff said. “The level of respect the league has for this team now compared to last year is completely different. We’ve proven how competitive we can be. Our guys have proven how tough and talented they are.”
“When you do that, teams prepare for you differently.”
This pales in comparison to Cunningham’s comments from last season. He knew they’d be able to steal a few wins, but that it would change now.
“We know some of the teams at the top don’t really get it going to start the season,” Cunningham exclaimed during training camp last season. And now the Pistons find themselves as a team who must bring it nightly, or risk being run off the court.
That looked to be the case after Celtics rushed out to a 33-24 first quarter lead, aided by 5 Pistons turnovers. It didn’t help that star Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren were in foul trouble, again. Some of that had to do with how the Celtics attacked the dynamic pairing of Cade and Jalen.
“Teams are making adjustments,” Bickerstaff admitted during the post game press conference. “Especially a team like Boston that has so many veteran players that can do different things schematically. Teams are going to prepare for us differently, but it’s clearly a sign of respect. And that’s what we’d rather have.”
So new attention has resulted in the Pistons having to grit their way to back-to-back wins. And they’d have it no other way.
“We’ve out grit the opponent in the games we have won,” Bickerstaff exclaimed. “That is the most important thing we can do in playing Detroit basketball.”
Back-Up POWER!
A lot of credit is due the reserve unit which has inspired energy, defense, hustle, pace and physicality.
“Give our bench a ton of credit,” Bickerstaff said. “I think they gave us a lot of energy tonight.”
From Paul Reed, to Daniss Jenkins, to Javonte Green and others, the Pistons have received maximum energy and effort.
Defensively is where I’ve really grown to appreciate their contributions. Jenkins’ quick feet pestering opposing guards. Reed blocking shots and switching defensively on pick and rolls. Green’s activity has made him difficult to miss.
But second year guard Ron Holland has been the Pistons ‘MVP of Grit’ through the first three games of the season. He’s been a blur on the court turning defense to offense, and providing a spark when the team has needed it most.
“I would definitely call this an identity win,” Ausar Thompson stated. “Especially our bench unit who helped re-show us our identity.”
Jalen Duren Went BEAST MODE!
The night ultimately belonged to the big fella Jalen Duren who had a 27 point, 14 rebound double-double. Cunningham, and Ausar Thompson each surpassed 20 points scoring. They also contributed in a variety of ways on both ends of the court, while stuffing the stat sheet.
Head coach remarked how Cade Cunningham has bruises and cuts to his face and body after games. Further proving they play through more than just defense and bad whistles.
But now they’re also learning to win through the adversity. Something that Duren has frustratedly worked through to start the season. He’s battled physically defense, double-teams and foul trouble. But his outburst versus the Celtics proved he may be ready to handle teams throwing their best punch nightly.
“It becomes trusting and believing he can do the right things the team still needs him to do,” Bickerstaff said. “We believe in him at a high level and he rewarded his teammates with a phenomenal effort. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Now Duren, and the Pistons have to prove they can consistently bring the ‘Grit’. Because opponents are no longer overlooking them on the schedule.
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