Pistons have to be irrationally optimistic even with backs against the wall

Things look grim with the Detroit Pistons heading to Cleveland for an elimination game after losing three straight, the last one in devastating fashion, but as bad as things seem, there are reasons for optimism and I’m not just saying that because I haven’t slept. 

The Pistons have faced elimination games in these playoffs and responded, so I am going down with the ship of belief until this thing is over. There is plenty of negativity hovering around the team right now, but despite all of it, the Pistons still have life and a bright future. 

The Pistons have been here before 

The Pistons have been counted out many times in these playoffs, especially after going down 3-1 to the Magic, but they were able to stave off elimination three times. 

Detroit has responded to adversity all season and can do it again. It’s certainly not going to be easy, but they can take solace that they have been right in all of these games (outside of the 3rd quarter of game four) and had chances to win. 

Even with a 100-54 free-throw disparity for Cleveland in the last three games, the Pistons had opportunities. That’s not going to make Detroit feel any better, but they can beat the Cavaliers if they can stop beating themselves. 

This is an irrational coping mechanism, but give it to me, I’m tired. 

Let’s not lose sight of reality for the Pistons 

Again, I may just be going through the stages of grief after a tough loss, but I came into this series feeling like the Pistons had little to lose. It’s Cleveland who is fighting for their lives with a veteran team that could get blown up if they fail. 

No one expected the Pistons to win 60 games this season, and I very much enjoyed watching their evolution into a very good team. I’m not going to let what happens in this series change what was a very fun squad.

Their future is bright with a legit superstar in Cade Cunningham to go along with Ausar Thompson, who also stepped up on the big stage. Jalen Duren has struggled, but he too had a great season that can’t be overlooked.  

Detroit now has a very good understanding of what they need going forward, and even if they can pull off the miracle, will need to make some additions in the offseason to better complement those three guys, including adding another reliable scorer. Luckily, they are set up to do so with cap space and plenty of roster flexibility.

I am Homer #1 and that will never change, even after a soul-crushing loss that had me pacing my house, but there are reasons to believe in this team, both in the next game and in the future. 

I hope this somewhat balances all of the negativity out there. LET’S GOOOOOOOO! #DetroitBasketball 

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