Detroit Pistons: Takeaways from the Playoffs
By Ben Lanza
Blake Griffin’s value goes beyond the court
This is as important a takeaway as any. Blake missed game one and two, and came back for games three and four still clearly hobbled. But it was clear to me how much he meant to this team, even when he wasn’t playing. Blake was seen constantly coaching his teammates when he was on the bench, and hyping them up when they made a good play. Blake was called for a tech in both game one and two, both games he didn’t play. This to me says how emotionally involved Blake is with this team, and how much the team’s success means to him. The team plays harder and the fans cheer louder when Blake is in the game. This can be summed up by his standing ovation and “MVP” chants when he fouled out of game four. Blake has become the new face of Pistons basketball that Detroit never knew they needed. Blake’s instagram about laying the foundation in Detroit says it all.
There was a lot I learned about the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs, even if it was just a four game stay. Although the result was disappointing, and we are now on the worst playoff-losing streak in history, there is a lot to be optimistic about this team’s future. There’s a great chance that streak will end next year.