Detroit Pistons: The “bright side” from an embarrassing loss to Toronto

The Detroit Pistons suffered a 115-111 loss at the hands of the Toronto Raptors and there wasn’t much to be excited about.

The Raptors were on the road and missing three starters, but that didn’t stop them from getting a win behind 27 points from some guy named Dalano Banton, who has averaged 3.8 points for his career and usually doesn’t get off the Toronto bench.

The Pistons were missing Cade Cunningham, but that’s still no excuse to lose at home to a team missing most of their top guys. Detroit once again got out to a slow start and had to mount a failed comeback, which has been one of the themes of the season.

It was an embarrassing loss for Detroit, but since today has been mostly negative, I am going to try to put on my Monty Python mask and look at the “Bright side of Life,” in order to keep my sanity and patience during what has been an ugly season in Detroit.

“If life seems jolly rotten
There’s something you’ve forgotten
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing…”

Detroit Pistons: Small positives from loss to Toronto

Dwane Casey trying stuff!

Coach Casey moved Saddiq Bey to the bench to go with a bigger starting five that included Marvin Bagley III. This is a move some of us have lobbied for this season, and I applaud coach Casey for trying something new, even if it didn’t work.

Bey isn’t a good enough playmaker or defender to work in the starting lineup as currently constructed, but he could be an impact 6th man. Hopefully this change eventually will get the most of his talents.

Alec Burks boosting the bench

The Pistons have had one of the worst benches in the NBA this season, so getting Alec Burks back was big. He had a good night in his second game, scoring 15 points in just 17 minutes. He is still working himself into game shape, so had to be pulled from the game, but as he gets into shape, he is really going to help solidify a bench that has been a huge weakness for Detroit this season.

The Detroit Pistons are getting to the line

After last night’s 43 free-throw attempts against Toronto, the Detroit Pistons actually lead the NBA in free-throw attempts per game this season and it’s by a fairly wide margin.

This is something the Pistons can build upon and need, as they are the worst shooting team in the NBA overall, so have to make up the points somewhere. Of course, they missed 12 of their 43 attempts last night and are just 16th overall in free-throw percentage, but at least they are getting to the line.

The uniforms!

I actually liked the green uniforms that were a tribute to St. Cecilia’s gym in Detroit. These were designed by Big Sean and proceeds will help go to the renovation and reconstruction of the iconic basketball haven. Good stuff all around.

Jaden Ivey taking over

The Detroit Pistons ultimately came up short, but it was nice to see Jaden Ivey step up in the 4th quarter and try to will the Pistons to victory. Detroit was down 11 heading into the final quarter and Ivey only had eight points and four assists.

He put the Pistons on his back in the 4th, and finished the game with 21 points, eight assists and four rebounds. It ultimately didn’t matter, but Ivey is very good already, and not afraid of the big moment, which are some nice positives in otherwise depressing season.