Rapid Reaction: Toronto Raptors 125 Detroit Pistons 113

The Detroit Pistons fell to the Toronto Raptors 125-113 following another abysmal performance on defense, and inconsistent shooting.

We’ve now arrived at a difficult point here in the early going for the Detroit Pistons. Dwane Casey’s usual philosophy seems to be “if someone will play defense, then they’ll see regular minutes.” What happens when no one plays defense?

The reigning Most Improved Player of the Year Pascal Siakam absolutely torched the Pistons, scoring 30 points and grabbing and 5 rebounds on 61 percent shooting. 19 of his points came in the third quarter. Detroit was unable to create a consistent presence in the paint on defense or in transition, which allowed Toronto to run away with this game.

There seems to be a reoccurring theme this season where Andre Drummond picks up a lot of unnecessary fouls, which prevents him from being on the floor when the Pistons need him the most, especially on defense.

Players of the game

For Toronto – Siakam. It has to be. Once again, 30 points and 5 rebounds on 61 percent shooting. He’s been playing at an All-NBA level this season, and looks to prove that he’s the best player on this current Raptors team. His overall impact on the game is what ultimately put Toronto ahead.

For Detroit – Markieff Morris. If somebody has to be picked out from this game, it’s Morris. He finally provided consistently quality minutes for the Pistons this season, scoring 16 points and grabbing 5 rebounds on 53 percent shooting.

Key moment

Halfway through the 3rd quarter as it was previously mentioned, Siakam went off on Detroit. He scored 19 points of his own, and boosted the Raptors out to a 15-3 run, giving Toronto an 82-62 lead. The Pistons made a few light attempts at clawing their way back into the game, but ultimately fell short.

Nick’s Notes

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I’m very uncomfortable with the Pistons’ regular struggles with finishing at the rim. With guys like Drummond, Morris, Christian Wood, and even Thon Maker with his height, it should not be as difficult to score inside as it has apparently become. Tonight was no exception.

Lazy and errant passes were a regular happening tonight, as Detroit committed 20 turnovers for the third consecutive game. This allowed Toronto to dominate the Pistons in transition, where they scored 23 fast break points to Detroit’s 11.

I’m also uncomfortable with the fact that the Pistons are frequently relying on Derrick Rose for damage control. The opposing team will jump out to a lead, and Rose is sent in to run a majority of the offense. Has it been working? Most of the time, he’s been incredibly effective. However, this should not be a regular habit of Casey’s, as Rose is already on a minutes restriction.

Allowing Rose to regularly exhaust his energy during the first half may be working fine through the first quarter of the season, but givens Rose’s history by game number 50 or so, that begins to take its toll.