Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from important loss to the 76ers
The Detroit Pistons got a little breathing room in the standings with their loss to the 76ers, which could end up being an important one.
There was some worry that the Pistons would win this game considering the 76ers were on the second game of a back-to-back.
But it was the Pistons who looked tired in the first quarter, getting shellacked 34-17 and essentially losing the game before the first half.
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The Pistons are now a half a game “ahead” of the Timberwolves for the NBA’s second-worst record with the two set to play Tuesday in what will be the tank-off of the season.
The Pistons played 13 players against the 76ers, with 10 of them getting at least 20 minutes, so Dwane Casey tried to spread the minutes around after the Pistons got down big early.
Once again, the Detroit Pistons shot terribly from both the 3-point and free-throw line, turned the ball over too much and gave up a lot of silly fouls, things that have plagued them all season.
Not much good happened in this game, but here are three takeaways.
Detroit Pistons: Wayne Ellington and Cory Joseph
Pistons’ fans went insane after the team had the gall to win a game against the Grizzlies whilst using mediocre journeymen veterans Wayne Ellington and Cory Joseph.
Dwane Casey was accused of not caring about the future (bit dramatic, no?) because he dared play these two benchwarmers who were suddenly prime MJ and Pippen.
Last night the dynamic duo combined for a whole eight points and five turnovers and were a combined -31 in the +/- category.
This is why fans can’t get too worked up about the tank. These are NBA players and even the mediocre ones are occasionally going to have good games that lead to wins. Even if the Pistons end up with the second-worst record, they could still fall out of the top-five, as it is all down to luck.
Yes, I want them to have the best chance they can have, but playing Ellington and Joseph is not a crime, nor will it lead to winning many games, as we saw last night.