Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from clutch loss to the Timberwolves
The Detroit Pistons needed a loss and they got one, getting blown out by the Minnesota Timberwolves on a night where they featured six rookies.
Fans were excited to see some of the best rookies in the NBA, as Rookie of the Year frontrunner Anthony Edwards did battle against a trio of Pistons in the starting lineup.
Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart all got the nod for the Detroit Pistons, who were resting all of their veterans with “injuries.”
This loss all but secured the second-worst record for Detroit, who now just has games against the Nuggets and Heat remaining.
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Staying in the bottom three is key, as it will give the Pistons maximum odds at a top-four pick. If they can finish with the second-worst record, they are guaranteed to stay in the top-6, which is some amount of protection against bad lottery luck.
It was an ugly game to be sure and not one that will be replayed on ESPN Classic, but it was a key loss for the Detroit Pistons that should complete the tank.
Here are three takeaways from one of the most important games in years.
Detroit Pistons: Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers
I firmly believe that the Detroit Pistons can make the playoffs next season with the right offseason moves.
But they are not going to make that leap unless they take better care of the ball, as the Pistons are currently 25th in the NBA In turnovers per game.
They committed an astounding 28 last night, with all five of the starters coughing up at least two and turnover machine Josh Jackson committing SEVEN in the first half and ending the game with nine and eleven points.
Jackson has had this problem all season and it’s the big reason I am not as high on his future with the team as some, as you can’t commit more turnovers than assists.
The Detroit Pistons are a young team but 28 turnovers is ridiculous at any level. These turnovers led to the Timberwolves taking 23 more shots than the Pistons. You’re not going to win many games when the other team takes 23 more shots.
This is something the Pistons absolutely have to address in the offseason or they will jockeying for lottery position again next season.