The Pistons started the playoffs with a loss, but still have a chance to bounce back and make a deep run. That comeback will need to start with adjustments from the top down through the coaching. Although many of the players will need to play better individually as well, JB Bickerstaff and his staff will also need to put them in better positions to succeed.
JB Bickerstaff needs to prove his critics wrong
Bickerstaff has gotten justified criticism in the past for his lack of playoff adjustments. During his time in Cleveland, the Cavaliers regularly fell short of expectations in the postseason and Bickerstaff was often blamed. Now, he's got a chance to right those wrongs with a new team and a new system.
The Pistons will need their coach to come through to win playoff series because they can't simply overwhelm opponents with talent. Even though Detroit employs a clear superstar talent in Cade Cunningham, they don't have a full roster that can succeed without giving full effort. Bickerstaff has been able to get high effort and intensity out of his guys all season long, but he needs it now more than ever.
In Game 1, the Pistons had terrible performances from other players besides Cunningham. Those guys should naturally bounce back for more efficient games, but coaching adjustments will also be needed to get them better shots. The Magic executed a perfect game plan to start the series, while the Pistons looked unprepared for their opponent.
The Pistons will frequently need to make playoff adjustments
Unfortunately for the Pistons, nothing will come easy for them in the playoffs. If they win this first-round series, they will face even tougher opponents later on. Their regular season formula of overwhelming teams with effort and physicality may work for a game or two, but more talented teams will find counters before a series is over.
Detroit also tends to play a pretty simple offense based on pick-and-rolls between Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Opposing defenses will throw different coverages at them to mess up the natural flow of this play. It won't simply be enough to expect better performances from the duo; the coaches will also have to make tactical adjustments on the fly and especially between games.
They already have their first opportunity for an important adjustment. Duren had just 8 points and took 4 total shot attempts in Game 1, largely due to Orlando's defense being fully prepared for him. Duren has unavoidable limitations as a scorer, but Detroit's coaches will need to plan around them to revive the team's offense.
In the end, JB Bickerstaff might be the most important factor that determines how far the Pistons go in the playoffs.
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