Detroit Pistons and the 4th quarter
Don’t look now but the Detroit Pistons are one of the best 4th quarter teams in the NBA.
The Pistons have a +20 point differential in the final quarter, which is good for 8th in the NBA.
Their 7.3 free throw attempts in the 4th are 1st overall in the NBA.
The Pistons have a +15 turnover margin in the 4th quarter that is 4th in the league.
Last season the Pistons were 26th in the NBA in 4th quarter points and this season they have jumped all the way up to #11, which is pretty amazing considering their struggles scoring the ball this season.
A lot of this has to do with the addition of Cade Cunningham, who is 6-of-8 in clutch situations and has been taking over games late.
Cade did it again last night, initiating the offense down the stretch, getting into the lane and scoring or setting up teammates. The game seems to slow down for Cade in the clutch, and he gives the Pistons a closer that they didn’t have last season.
The Detroit Pistons still have a long way to go, but they are making progress that includes more wins against tougher opponents and much better 4th quarter execution.