The Detroit Pistons are always going to struggle without their best player. However, they would have struggled even if their best player had been available. Furthermore, they faced an inspired New Orleans Pelican side that was not going to make things easy. But any hopes of a surprise victory seemed impossible as the first quarter came to an end. The offense looks disjointed, and the defense seems to have no answers for the visitors.
Do you see any bright spots on this roster from anyone who is available today?
Detroit Pistons Holes Without Cunningham
Cade Cunningham was unable to play today against Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. Cunningham was ruled out shortly before the game because the product of Oklahoma State was dealing with a knee injury. Additionally, Jalen Duren was a no-go as he was dealing with a back injury. However, throughout the league, we have seen players step up for their respective sides as needed.
But this Detroit Pistons team is overall too limited, and even though the Pelicans have injury concerns of their own, the hope remained that this game would stay within 15 to 20 points more than anything else.
Detroit Pistons Inexperience and Lack of Cohesion
It’s hard to win in the NBA without your best player, but there was hope that the players would take their chance, and increased opportunity, and make something of this game. But too often, the New Orleans Pelicans look like the better team, and it’s not particularly close.
Additionally, even when the Pistons had good looks, the shooters either missed completely open shots or the overall lack of chemistry prevented anything resembling a good look from happening in the first place. Therefore, it remains to be seen how this Detroit Pistons team can see hope outside of their main star, Cunningham.
Detroit Pistons After One Quarter
At the end of the first quarter, the Pistons struggled to get to double digits in points. Additionally, too often, the New Orleans Pelicans had an easy time not only getting good looks in the half-court offense but also in transition. This was an embarrassing performance. In the future, players like Jaden Ivy and Troy Brown Jr. need to step up. It’s one thing to miss open shots, but overall, the basketball IQ and even the hustle plays were clearly favoring the New Orleans Pelicans.
The ball bouncing the wrong way or an occasional missed open shot would be acceptable. But the Detroit Pistons need to dig deep and find it within themselves on an individual basis and collectively if they are going to turn around the narrative with this franchise.
About the Author
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