The Detroit Pistons gave away another game late in the fourth quarter during Wednesday's Game 5, and after the loss, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff quickly pinned poor officiation for the loss.
There's no denying that the whistle for the Pistons has been inconsistent over the last few games, and Bickerstaff has the right to be frustrated with the lack of calls for his team.
However, the head coach is ignoring the biggest issue that keeps reoccurring and putting his team in the position where late calls are deciding the game, and ultimately, the reoccurring problem falls on his shoulders.
Pistons can't finish games and thats the root of their problems
It almost feels like clock work for the Pistons when the fourth quarter comes around.
Detroit gets out to a lead, and just when you think the No. 1 seed could be putting the game out of reach, they leave the door wide open for the Cleveland Cavaliers to flip the momentum.
Obviously, it's tough for the Pistons to maintain a lead when their only course of offense is Cade Cunningham, especially considering that by the fourth quarter, the weight of the team on his back adds to the exhaustion of playing 42 minutes per game.
That issue alone stems from general manager Trajan Langdon for failing to surround Cunningham with a viable second option, but it's Bickerstaff's job to get the most out of the talent he has at his disposal.
Now, Bickerstaff isn't to blame for Jalen Duren's regression, and he's certainly not to blame for the bench failing to contribute, but as the head coach of the No. 1 seed who just found himself signing a long-term extension, it's clear Detroit believes he's the man for the job.
That said, Bickerstaff has to find a way to get his team over the finish line, and while he can't come on the court and execute for them, he has to find ways to stop the bleeding and prevent the late-game collapses that have plagued Detroit this entire season.
Bickerstaff can't pin every loss on the refs
Playoff basketball is about physicality, and it's understandable for Bickerstaff to be upset about the missed call on Ausar Thompson's pursuit of a loose ball at the end of the fourth.
At the same time, each team could rally up a handful of missed calls that they could argue were the difference between a win and a loss,
Bickerstaff has to lead by example, and the sooner he reflects in the mirror and realizes the Pistons' issues are self-inflicted more so than just missed calls, Detroit may find a way to turn this series around in their favor.
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