Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from the Pistons loss to the Pelicans
The Detroit Pistons came out firing in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 39 points before eventually fizzling out in the second half.
Detroit was on the second game of a back-to-back, so it is not surprising that they had tired legs down the stretch which led to a 22-point 4th quarter that sealed the game for the Pelicans.
The Cleveland Cavaliers won again last night, so the Detroit Pistons are now 2.5 games “ahead” of them for last place in the Eastern Conference.
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The Timberwolves and Rockets both kept pace with losses of their own, leaving Detroit with the second-worst record in the entire NBA.
It was an interesting game that featured lineups that we have not seen much of this season, which is just one of the takeaways from another competitive loss for the Detroit Pistons.
Detroit Pistons: Jerami Grant gets a much-deserved night off
Jerami Grant sat out this back-to-back, which is a great idea for several reasons.
Grant has been carrying this team all season and is asked to do a lot for the Pistons. He has looked a bit worn down over the last few games so this was the perfect time to get him a night off.
I actually love this strategy moving forward, as it will allow guys like Sekou Doumbouya and Svi Mykhailiuk to get some extended minutes to try and develop some sort of rhythm.
It worked for one night, at least for Mykhailiuk, who knocked down 4-of-9 from long-range in 28 minutes, the most he’s played in awhile.
Mykhailiuk has been largely disappointing this season but he is worth a look, as the Detroit Pistons desperately need the shooting he can potentially provide.
Doumbouya got the start with Grant sitting out, but it didn’t go particularly well for the second-year forward, which is nothing new in a season that has been troubling.