The Detroit Pistons play their first back-to-back game of the season Saturday night as they take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tip off is 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time.
The Detroit Pistons have fought hard during their first two games.
Detroit Pistons
They overcame the Charlotte Hornets at home Wednesday, 102-90, but fell to the Washington Wizards Friday night, 111-115.
No matter the case, the 1-1 Detroit Pistons look GOOD. And as Detroit’s starting five have yet to fully click, their quality play is due to hard work.
When faced off against the Hornets, Stanley Johnson was 0-13 on field goal attempts, Andre Drummond and Avery Bradley played limited minutes due to foul trouble, and Reggie Jackson was not all affective due to his limited play throughout the preseason and summer. Yet, Detroit won by 12.
When faced off against the Wizards, Andre Drummond, again, was plagued with foul trouble (fouling out) and Stanley Johnson played limited minutes as well. Yet, Detroit only lost by two.
So, again, what is it that’s kept Detroit competing throughout their first two games? Hard work: an aspect Stan Van Gundy has always preached and a quality the Pistons occasionally lacked last season.
Detroit’s defensive presence has looked strong and their ball movement has been tremendous. No longer is the ball being held up by a limited Reggie Jackson or a stagnant Marcus Morris, but it’s moving into the hot man’s hands (Tobias Harris in the first quarter Wednesday and Reggie Jackson in the fourth quarter Friday).
The bench play has been excellent, let by the pass-first mentality of Ish Smith, and even the youngsters have showed promise: Henry Ellenson with 13 points against the Hornets and Luke Kennard 11 points against the Wizards.
Overall, it is only the first two games of the season, though the Pistons have played solid basketball through out every minute.
Next: Could this be the year the Pistons defense takes a leap?
Seeing how the New York Knicks lost Carmelo Anthony over the summer, Saturday night would be a game Detroit and fans would like to win with ease.