The Detroit Pistons had the hearts of many a week ago during their five-game winning streak. It seems like we’ve been slapped by the cold hand of reality this week.
A week ago, the Detroit Pistons seemed like they could do nothing wrong. They were riding a five-game winning streak and had just beaten the Golden State Warriors.
Everyone was contributing to their victories. They looked great on both ends of the floor.
Today is a much different story.
The Pistons have now lost three straight games. I believe you can lose a game and still do some things right.
Their first two games of the week were blowout losses where it seemed like the Pistons did nothing right. Last night, the Pistons actually did a lot of things right against the Philadelphia 76ers.
I think that’s why it has been the cherry on top in this three-game losing streak. They played well for a majority of that game.
The Pistons scored 68 points in the first half. However, the Sixers buckled down, eliminated a 15-point deficit and pulled out a win without star center Joel Embiid.
Down the stretch, head coach Dwane Casey and Blake Griffin both received technical fouls.
Andre Drummond was largely ineffective in the second half. Reggie Jackson was as well. Griffin was receiving double-teams every time he touched the ball.
Open shooters weren’t knocking down shots in critical moments.
The Pistons showed a lack of focus and mental toughness in a third straight game.
Griffin’s comments after last night’s game showed how frustrated he is right now.
"“I think our disposition during those moments, our lack of focus concentration out of time-outs was really bad tonight. It’s been bad. That’s not winning basketball. That’s how you get beat.”"
The Pistons were fourth in the eastern conference a week ago and are now in sixth place.
After these three losses, it definitely feels like they’ve fallen much further than that. Everyone except Griffin is playing well right now.
Reggie Bullock, Ish Smith, and Stanley Johnson are all banged up right now. That’s forcing guys like Jose Calderon, Langston Galloway, and Bruce Brown to play more critical minutes.
If the Pistons have to go for an extended period of time like this, they will likely continue to free fall through the month of December.
I wish there was something more positive to talk about.