The Detroit Pistons will be looking for every advantage possible in this semifinal matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and if they can find a way to repeat the game script in Game 1, J.B. Bickerstaff's squad may have one advantage to exploit moving forward.
In Game 1, one of the biggest factors in Detroit's success was the early foul trouble that big man Jarrett Allen got into.
With the Cavs taking a cautious approach with Allen's foul troubles, Kenny Atkinson was forced to take a shot blocker off the floor, which seemingly worked in Detroit's favor, freeing up space in the paint for the Pistons' offense to work.
Detroit put pressure on Allen early, and if he's not going to be able to defend in this series without committing fouls, the Pistons will have a built-in advantage on their side.
Pistons need to attack Jarrett Allen
Allen is one of the best shot rim protectors in the league, and typically, the game plan to attack a premier shot blocker isn't a key to success.
Nonetheless, the Cavaliers' frontcourt weapon clearly struggled in Game 1, and if Detroit can put him back in the same position in Game 2, they could find similar success in terms of forcing Atkinson and his coaching staff to consider limiting his time on the floor.
With Allen on the bench, Detroit's chances to snag a 2-0 series lead increase, even if he's not considered one of the top threats on the Cavs' roster.
Taking Allen off the court removes a shot blocker, rim runner
Allen is one of the top rebounders Cleveland has on the roster, but arguably his biggest impact comes from his rim running abilities as a lob threat and a shot deterer on the defensive end.
By Detroit attacking him early on, putting pressure on Allen to defend without fouling could alone open up more opportunities for them, but if he proves unable to refrain from fouling, the Pistons will either have a one-way trip to the free throw line, or they'll be taking a top threat off the floor.
Regardless, in a series against a team that matches up well, Detroit will need to seek out every advantage they can, and with J.B. Bickerstaff already understanding what his former player's biggest weakness is, perhaps it's already a part of the Pistons' game plan moving forward.
If the trend continues in Game 2, Detroit will have a full series to apply pressure on Cleveland.
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