3 takeaways from the Detroit Pistons 117-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks

3. Derrick Rose is legit but is it sustainable?

Derrick Rose kept the Pistons in the game, netting 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Rose has given the Pistons everything they hoped for in the first two games, providing instant offense off the bench. He scored 15 points in the first half and did his best to lead the Pistons in Griffin’s absence.

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Rose has shown impressive quickness in the first two games, coming off screens and getting all the way to the hoop or pulling up for mid-range jumpers that he is nailing at a high rate.

Rose took some bad shots in the second half when the Pistons had difficulty scoring and probably played more minutes than Casey would like in the second game of a back-to-back. Rose came up limping in the first game after being tripped and Pistons’ fans winced every time he hit the floor in Game 2.

He’s been brilliant but his style of play makes this kind of usage and minutes unsustainable over the course of a whole season. The Pistons are going to have to find more efficient ways to score so that Rose can stay healthy and fresh. Tony Snell and Luke Kennard have shot a combined 20 field goal attempts in each of the first two games. Ideally that number should be closer to 25, which should take some of the pressure off of Rose and limit the number of difficult shots he has to take.

Given the circumstances, a 1-1 start is acceptable, and the play of Rose and Andre Drummond has to excite the Pistons’ coaches, front office and fans. This was a disappointing loss at home, but all will be forgotten if the Pistons can take care of business against Philly on Saturday night.