Detroit Pistons road trip continues as they travel to Charlotte

The Detroit Pistons have struggled in the month of the December with a 3-7 record.  However, things can change as we gear up for the new year.

The Detroit Pistons are coming off an impressive 129-123 overtime victory over Minnesota on Wednesday. Detroit trailed most of the game. When the fourth quarter hit, the Pistons shifted another gear.

Forty-eight minutes was not enough time to determine a winner in that game, as the Pistons sealed the deal in OT.

That was a win the Pistons needed, especially on the road because things have not been all smiles in the Motor City.

The identity of the Pistons looked as though it was lost during that six game losing streak.

The win against Minnesota allowed the Pistons to get back on their feet and get back to playing like they know how to.

Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets – Round two

These two teams meet for the second time this season and Charlotte was able to deliver the first blow, stealing a a 108-107 victory over Detroit just over a week ago.

Jeremy Lamb was the hero in that game as he hit the game winning three. Now, it’s a chance for revenge for Detroit as they travel back to Charlotte for hopefully a different outcome.

Both teams come into this game with similar records, Detroit sitting at the sixth spot in the East with a 15-14 record and Charlotte right behind them in the seventh spot with a 15-15 record.

Can Detroit extend its winning streak to two games and improve on the road record at 5-7? Let’s look at the players to watch out for in this game.

Hornets

We all know what Kemba Walker can do on the floor. He is a professional scorer who knows how to get to the lane and create shots for himself.

He was on point, the last time he played the Pistons with a game high 31 points on 8-25 from the field and going 4-11 from behind the shots.

For Detroit to prevent Kemba from going off, they will have to keep him uncomfortable on offense. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dwane Casey put multiple defenders on Walker (Bruce Brown and Stanley Johnson).

Detroit will have to force Kemba to make one of his other teammates carry the load offensively.

If Detroit can do that, they’ll be in a pretty good position to win the ball game.

Pistons

Let’s say Detroit does eliminate Kemba on offense, who will step up for Detroit offensively?  Well I’m glad you asked.

The Pistons have one of the hottest players in the league in Blake Griffin, who’s been playing at an all-star level all season.  In his last ten games he has averaged 26.9 points and in that stretch he has put up double digit points, scored 30 points or more four times and went on a stretch of three straight 30 plus point games.

I mean the numbers speak for themselves. The impact that Blake has on the floor is insane.

How he can get to the lane at will and not to mention his improvement from outside the arc. He’s shooting 37 percent from the three and 47 percent from the field.

Blake’s performance has rubbed off on his teammates. Reggie Bullock, averaging 12.1 points and shooting 39.8 percent from behind the arc, who was certainly missed during his injury has stepped up a ton.

In the win against Minnesota, Reggie had a career night scoring 33 points (career-high) shooting 12-21 from the field and 7-12 from three.

Andre Drummond, who had a quiet 16 points and 16 rebounds in the Minnesota game needs to continue to make his presence felt at the rim on defense and on the boards.

With him continuing to put up double-double performances, his game will only improve.

I have to mention Reggie Jackson‘s performance in Detroit’s last win.  His number was called and he showed up as he dropped 24 points on his way to 6,000 points for on his career.

Detroit’s bench was quiet against Minnesota scoring 19 points, but look for that to change against Charlotte.

What to expect

Look for Detroit to waste no time against Charlotte. They do not want to have to dig themselves out of a whole like they did against Minnesota.

If the Pistons want to be a consistent team in the East, they’ll need to execute not just in crunch time, but early in the game as well.

The reserve group will need to contribute as well. When the bench comes through, the Pistons are a tough pill to swallow no matter who they’re playing.