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Adversity Hits the Pistons

By Sham Mohile

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 4: Detroit Pistons and head coach Stan Van Gundy shouts out instructions during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena on October 4, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images). Charlotte Hornets defeated Detroit Pistons 108-106.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 4: Detroit Pistons and head coach Stan Van Gundy shouts out instructions during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena on October 4, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images). Charlotte Hornets defeated Detroit Pistons 108-106. /
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After watching a 22 point lead evaporate in the second half against the Indiana Pacers, the Detroit Pistons are officially experiencing their first bit of adversity this season.

Going into a difficult road stretch against the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Detroit Pistons had a golden opportunity to officially enter the conversation as one of the contenders in the Eastern Conference at 10-3 with a good showing on the road.

After getting embarrassed by the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday – allowing a total of 16 blocked shots, the Pistons were looking to bounce back against a mediocre Pacers squad.

Last season, the Pistons struggled on the second game of a back-to-back (SEGABABA) but things seemed to have changed this year – winning on the road against the Golden State Warriors on a SEGABABA.

Pistons looked like that trend was going to continue by jumping out to a 22 point lead in the 3rd quarter, but the Pacers continued to chip away at that lead.

22 became fifteen, fifteen became ten, ten became five, and eventually the Pacers tied the game up with Lance Stephenson’s three pointer.

Stephenson’s strong play continued and the Pistons officially were handed their most disappointing “L” of the season.

Players and coaches were less than enthused with the performance. The following quotes were courtesy of Detroit News journalist, Rod Beard, on Twitter:

Reggie Jackson took blame on himself after turning the ball over twice in crunch time.

"“It was tough. I have to take care of the ball. They got me twice (on steals) where they got stops and they were able to convert.”"

Stan Van Gundy theorized on the reason for the blown lead.

"“Whether we were comfortable or not, I don’t know. We just didn’t play well at all and got dominated – we got outscored by 29 points in 18 minutes.”"

However Pistons’ veteran, Anthony Tolliver, characterized the feeling best after the loss.

"“This is one of the first signs of adversity for us, losing two in a row, losing this one like we did. It’ll be a good test of character to see how we respond next game.”"

Losing two straight and headed North to face the surging Timberwolves, things aren’t looking too positive for the struggling Pistons. However at 10-5, the Pistons still have a golden opportunity to capitalize on the adversity and rebound with two strong wins against project playoff teams – Minnesota and a SEGABABA against Cleveland.

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