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3 takeaways from the Detroit Pistons 105-92 loss to the Toronto Raptors

By Nicolas Henkel

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 31: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 31, 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 31: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 31, 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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Thon Maker #7 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Thon Maker #7 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

An overwhelming lack of focus

With five consecutive losses for the Pistons, it’s safe for fans to assume that whether the team wants to or not, the tank is on. At this point, an inadvertent tank is just as good as an intentional one.

The biggest problem with that is that for those fans who remain loyal to the team and find themselves watching on a nightly basis, games like this will happen. Detroit appeared out of sync and severely disinterested at times tonight.

A general lack of fluidity on both ends of the floor allowed Toronto to do more or less whatever they wanted over the course of 48 minutes.

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Even when the Pistons found themselves turning a 16 point deficit into just 8 points down the stretch in the third quarter, it didn’t even feel like they were climbing back into the game. The energy was so low and they just sort of happened to be scoring when Toronto wasn’t.

Other than the first quarter performance from Svi Mykhailiuk and the game-long heroics from Derrick Rose, (who for the 14th game in a row scored 20+ points) there wasn’t too much that you can look back and on be proud of.

It was discouraging and disheartening. Reggie Jackson and Tony Snell played a total of 61 minutes and combined for just 3 made field goals on 21 attempts. (14 percent)

The low percentage shots that Detroit was forced to take tonight can weigh down on a team’s confidence. There were plenty of open looks through the course of the game that the Pistons couldn’t capitalize on either.

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