You couldn't have written it any more perfectly for JB Bickerstaff. Two years after being fired by the Cavaliers for his lack of playoff adjustments, Bickerstaff has a chance to knock them out in a do-or-die Game 7 by making crucial adjustments for the Pistons. Bickerstaff has already proven himself capable of shifting momentum within playoff series and games this postseason, but tolling the death knell for his former team will make that point even more emphatic.
JB Bickerstaff has a lot riding on the line in Game 7
Bickerstaff and the Pistons have both publicly stated that playing his former team carries no extra weight, but it's hard to ignore the history. After leading the Cavaliers to multiple successful regular seasons, Bickerstaff was unceremoniously discharged after one playoff disappointment too many. However, the Cavaliers weren't able to find the resounding playoff success they were looking for last season without him, and haven't been world-beaters this year either.
Meanwhile, Bickerstaff has led the Pistons on a historic turnaround and could now secure their first conference finals appearance since 2008. In this series alone, Bickerstaff has done a good job of weathering the Cavaliers' onslaught even without a reliable secondary scorer. Instead, Detroit is finding success through the core tenets of Bickerstaff's coaching philosophy: defense, depth and hustle.
This coaching strategy has often been criticized as a regular-season phenom, and that was the case in Cleveland too. But the Pistons are now proving that Bickerstaff's style can translate to postseason success too with the right roster. Unlike his team in Cleveland, the Pistons are built well to endure scoring struggles from their superstar through strong team defense and other players stepping up.
The Pistons need Bickerstaff at his best
However, the Pistons lack a clear talent advantage over the Cavaliers. If they don't perform at their best or have good rotations and schemes from Bickerstaff, they definitely fall at risk of losing Game 7. As a result, both coach and team will need to bring their A-game in the series finale.
Bickerstaff and his players have shown time and time again this postseason that they can step up when the moment calls for it. They are 4-0 in elimination games and have even mounted huge comebacks with their backs up against the wall. It took a great show of resilience just to make it out of the first round after falling down 3-1 in the series, but the Pistons are built for adversity.
The Pistons have always embodied the phrase "Detroit vs. Everybody" and now have the chance to prove their grit to the entire basketball world, but most especially the team that didn't believe in their head coach.
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