Game Preview: Pistons visit the Golden State Warriors
By Matthew Way
After a thrilling comeback victory against the Los Angeles Clippers last night, the Detroit Pistons drive north to take on the defending champion Golden State Warriors.
The Detroit Pistons look to build on a terrific performance last night but will have to do it against the most formidable of opponents. The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, are looking to complete a 3-0 home stand after losing two of their first three games.
Golden State has not missed a beat offensively, posting a league-leading 116.7 offensive rating through six games. Defensively, though, the Warriors have been exploitable, ranking only 22nd in the league in defensive rating.
The Pistons’ strong start to the season has been powered by its consistency on both ends of the floor – ranking above average on both ends of the floor in terms of offensive and defensive rating.
The Pistons have been fueled by the strong play of Andre Drummond, who is coming off a terrific performance against the Clippers:
"“I thought Andre was terrific tonight, absolutely terrific,” Van Gundy said. “That’s one of the best games he’s played since I’ve been here. He’s put up bigger numbers but his game was outstanding tonight.”"
Drummond’s strong play will need to continue against a Warriors team who starts Zaza Pachulia, a center that Drummond should be able to dominate. When the Warriors inevitably go small with Draymond Green at the center, it will be imperative for Drummond to use his size as an advantage on the offensive end of the floor.
It will be equally critical that the Pistons do not get off to a slow start, as has been characteristic of the team thus far this season. If the Pistons begin the game slow against the high-powered Golden State offense, they may be out of the game before the first quarter even ends.
Next: Pistons end Clippers' unbeaten run on the road
One of the reasons Detroit has started slow in games this season has been their inability to defend skilled power forwards, like Kristaps Porzingis and Blake Griffin. In those games, the Pistons found defensive answers by bringing Anthony Tolliver off the bench. Tolliver may have to play increased and earlier minutes tonight if the Pistons hope to defend a Warriors offense that can score from any position on the floor.