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3 takeaways from the Detroit Pistons 125-112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies

By Ryan Love

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 24: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons on January 24, 2020 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 24: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Detroit Pistons on January 24, 2020 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Missing Andre Drummond inside

If anything was consistent about this Pistons loss to the Grizzlies, it’s the lack of interior defense.

Ja Morant, while only scoring 16 points in this game, made it a point to drive and kick on several possessions — leaving open shots for Grizzlies all over the floor.

https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/1220892693297008642?s=20

This is where the Pistons miss Andre Drummond‘s versatility as a defender.

Drummond’s size alone clogs up driving lanes. Several easy buckets given up by the Pistons tonight could have been contested by someone with more defensive ability than Thon Maker or Christian Wood.

The Pistons gave up 29 points to Jaren Jackson Jr., 27 points to Dillon Brooks, and 15 points to Brandon Clarke.

Jackson Jr. and Brooks were left open on the perimeter where they did most of their damage — taking advantage of the Pistons defenders focusing on the help needed in the paint.

Pistons rookie Sekou Doumbouya found himself out on an island against Jackson Jr. early on and got burned.

https://twitter.com/memgrizz/status/1220875363057897474?s=20

The lack of defense is a given when a team is missing defenders like Drummond and Bruce Brown.

The experimental lineups from Dwane Casey will keep coming as the team looks to find anything that resembles consistency.

The Pistons host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.

Next. 30 best moments in Pistons history. dark

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