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3 takeaways from the Detroit Pistons 119-107 loss to the Chicago Bulls

By Nicolas Henkel

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons talks with Bruce Brown #6 during the first half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena on December 21, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. The Bulls defeated the Pistons 119-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons talks with Bruce Brown #6 during the first half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena on December 21, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. The Bulls defeated the Pistons 119-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Detroit’s problem with utilizing Drummond

In the first half the Pistons did an outstanding job of maximizing Andre Drummond‘s effectiveness. They were going out of their way to feed him in the low post in both a half court setting and with long passes in transition. They were setting him up for success.

Doing this naturally draws multiple bodies to Drummond when he establishes position which frees up shooters along the perimeter. When guys like Morris, Luke Kennard or Tony Snell are on the receiving end of those passes, great! But when tonight it seemed far too often that Tim Frazier or Bruce Brown were the ones getting the look. They’re capable of hitting from deep but not at the rate of consistency that the aforementioned players can.

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That’s where the issues started to arrive. Once the second half started Drummond’s touches went down and the offense seemed to lack fluidity. There weren’t enough pick and rolls being run and his effectiveness felt diminished.

It was reminiscent of the famous (or infamous?) “Avocado Game” that Drummond had against Dallas where in the first half he was dominating the paint, but in the second half he wasn’t getting the same looks.

You may chalk this up to better defensive scheming by the opposing coaches, but it also feels like a lack of consistency on Detroit’s end, where they’re forcing themselves to play from the perimeter. The end result was inside looks often resulting in turnovers when the ball was prematurely fired out to the perimeter, which led to intercepted passes.

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