The Detroit Pistons dug themselves a deep hole Saturday night, only to claw back from a 21 point deficit for the close win. Let’s dive into some quick takeaways.
1. The Detroit Pistons have regained their heart
That’s the second game in a row where the Detroit Pistons have climbed back from a big deficit in the second half of a game. This new ability to claw and scrape their way back is something they’d lost last year, and it’s refreshing.
The first half of the game seemed slow, sloppy, and tired. The Pistons looked lost and lacked off-ball movement. And it showed with a 64-51 New York Knicks lead at halftime. Not only that, but at one point, the Knicks led by 21. However, late in the third quarter, the Pistons saw an energy return. They were able to cut the deficit to one by the end of the third and take the lead at the beginning of the fourth. Thanks to the heroic efforts of Tobias Harris and others, the team was able to take a four point win to make them 2-1.
This team is capable of great things if they play with the determination they’ve shown every game so far. The issues will be ironed out if they keep working.
2. Tobias Harris is officially a stud
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Tobias Harris has murdered it on the offensive end this year, showing serious scoring ability. Over the course of three games he averaged 21 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, and 2 assists. He’s shot nearly 60 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from three.
Harris scored 31 Saturday night, 15 against the Wizards, and 27 against the Hornets. He’s lead the team to their two wins with his offensive ability. He is likely doing the same behind the scenes as well, considering his noted maturity and the work ethic he shows.
“I think he’s one of, if not the first guy, in the gym every day getting his work done. He’s very routine oriented, he’s always getting his work in, he’s in great shape, he gets his lifting done all the time. Takes care of himself, always ready to play in whatever role you need him to play,’’ Van Gundy said.
Look for Harris to keep growing and officially emerge as a leader on the Detroit Pistons. I’m looking forward to watching his future performances. Expect big things from this man.
3. Andre Drummond‘s shooting is for real
Andre Drummond set the bar low for himself last season, posting a repulsive low from the free throw line at 38 percent. Nobody expected him to break out the way he has from the foul line. Over the preseason he shot 80 percent from the line and is 100 percent throughout the three games of the regular season. He was 16 of 20 during the preseason and is six for six this season.
While it’s easy to write off due to the small sample size, with his confident at the line I think it’s safe to say it’ll remain that way for the rest of the year. Not necessarily at 80 percent, but I’m going to give a hot take and say it will stay above 75 percent for the rest of the year. I am optimistic about this big man, and I expect big things out of him. Staying consistent from the line will eliminate the hack-a-dre strategy.
Next: Depth a strength for the Pistons
Hope for the best with Drummond, his potential is sky-high, and he still has a long way to go to fill it.