What the Detroit Pistons can learn from the NBA Finals
The 2017 NBA Finals are now behind us. Let’s take a look at what the Detroit Pistons can learn from the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
A historic postseason run came to a close on Monday night. For the second time in the last three seasons, the Golden State Warriors are NBA champions. They easily disposed of the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. Yet despite a relatively one-sided series, the Detroit Pistons can learn a lot from these two ball clubs.
Consistent shooting
Scoring was a major problem for the Pistons last season. Detroit ranked 26th in the league when it came to points per game, finishing with an average 101.3. This year’s NBA Finals boasted two of the top five teams in this category. Golden State led the NBA with a scoring average 115.9 points per game. Cleveland wasn’t far behind them with an average 110.3.
More importantly, these two teams were the leading scorers throughout the NBA playoffs. The Warriors averaged 119.3 points per game and the Cavaliers finished with 116.2. They also led all playoff teams in field goal percentage, as both shot 49 percent from the floor.
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Not surprisingly, this year’s Finals featured some of the league’s top shooters: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver. The three-point shot is more important now than it ever has been in the NBA. Low post players don’t rule the game anymore, sharp shooting point guards do. Need I say anymore?
Versatility
No team exemplifies the importance of versatility better than the Warriors. Their “small-ball” lineups have constantly taken advantage of opponents. Curry relishes the moment when a post player is forced onto him. Durant launches jumpers with ease thanks to his size on the wing. But their versatility is truly on display when it comes the front court.
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Teams haven’t been able to solve Warriors’ forward Draymond Green. Realistically, Green shouldn’t be that much of a threat at power forward, let alone center. His 6’7″ height doesn’t sound too imposing. But his demeanor and ability to guard multiple positions make him one of the most feared defenders in the league.
Green had an outstanding on-court defensive rating, allowing just 99.3 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor and was one of the best rim protectors in the league despite his undersized stature.
Bench production
“Bench production” and “bench scoring” are not synonymous terms. There are plenty of ways to impact a basketball game without scoring a single bucket. Take Warriors’ rookie Patrick McCaw for example.
The shooting guard played 34 minutes throughout five games in the NBA Finals. He finished with just 11 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists. Those numbers didn’t stand out, but his ability to handle the bright lights did. McCaw only committed two fouls and one turnover while he was on the floor. Sometimes, that’s all you need from a role player. Keep the ship afloat while the starters rest.
This line of thinking goes both ways. Just look at Cavaliers’ forward Kyle Korver. He’s basically rendered useless when he’s not hitting spot-up triples, which is exactly what happened in the playoffs. Korver isn’t a reliable defender and he can’t create his own shot. Much like his teammate Channing Frye (who only saw 11 minutes), Korver quickly became a liability.
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The Detroit Pistons aren’t in the same class as the Warriors and Cavaliers. Heck, they’re not even in the same stratosphere. But not that long ago, Golden State and Cleveland were in Detroit’s position. They learned from those at the top. We’ll see if the Pistons can do the same.