Detroit Pistons: Let’s not panic about last night’s loss
By Travis Gibbs
Everything went wrong for the Detroit Pistons last night. However, last night’s thumping by the Thunder is not the end of the world.
The Detroit Pistons got their doors blown off by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
There’s no way around it. They looked like vomit last night.
Nobody played well. The Pistons shot just 33 percent from the field in the game. They were just 18 percent from beyond the arc.
The Thunder held Detroit to a season-low 83 points in the game. With all of this being said, fans have a right to be upset.
The Pistons came out and laid an egg after coming off their most impressive win of the season.
They beat the Golden State Warriors and it seemed like the team was at an all-time high. Everyone was playing well.
Many players were contributing to their victories. Reggie Jackson was finally starting to look like himself. Andre Drummond is currently averaging a career-high in points and rebounds.
Blake Griffin has looked like an MVP at times throughout the season.
Stanley Johnson had even started to look impressive in his new role coming off the bench.
Reggie Bullock was even starting to play well. He ended up leaving last night’s game with an ankle injury.
This is why it hurt so much to watch last night’s game. The Pistons actually looked like they were becoming a contender in the eastern conference.
All of it feels like it was snatched away with last night’s loss.
I felt all of that. However, I did come to my senses a little bit after the game.
To all the fans that are still furious after last night’s loss: I’m going to encourage you to look out your window to prove that the sky is not falling.
Let’s break it down a little.
The Pistons we’re going into their third game in just four nights. It’s very possible that fatigue could have been a factor.
No blowout loss like last night is acceptable. However, let’s take a look at the team they played.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the hottest teams in the league. Last night’s win helped them improve to 15-7 on the season.
I think they proved to the rest of the NBA that they are by far the best defensive team in the league last night. They’re now first in defensive efficiency (97.8).
The next closest team is Boston (100.8) and it’s not even close.
Yes, the Pistons played their worst game of the season. Let’s just not take away from what the Thunder did last night. They came in with a game plan and executed it to perfection.
It seemed to be the perfect storm.
The Pistons were able to go 5-1 on their recent home stand. They are still five games above the .500 mark as well.
They are in Milwaukee tomorrow night against the Bucks. If they lay another egg tomorrow night, then be upset.
For now, let’s take a step back and breathe.