{"id":107017,"date":"2024-11-14T19:30:16","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T00:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=107017"},"modified":"2024-11-14T18:51:32","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T23:51:32","slug":"detroit-pistons-must-see-basketball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/14\/detroit-pistons-must-see-basketball\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Detroit Pistons Have Become Must-See Basketball"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite a 5-8 start, the Detroit Pistons<\/a>\u00a0have become one of the most interesting NBA teams to watch. Their games bring a range of different emotions. Fans might feel surprised, annoyed, or anxious\u2014all within one matchup.<\/p>\n

In their last two games, the Pistons built double-digit leads only to lose them. They battled back both times, making the finishes thrilling. They managed to pull out a win against the Miami Heat<\/a> but fell short against the Milwaukee Bucks<\/a>. As entertaining as these games are, sustaining success will require consistency. If the Pistons can build leads, they must learn to keep them.<\/p>\n

As Detroit prepares to face the \u00a0Toronto Raptors<\/a> in game two of their road trip, it\u2019s worth asking: What makes them must-watch TV? Is it time to retire jokes about Detroit\u2019s past struggles? Should we appreciate the Pistons\u2019 resurgence? Let\u2019s dive into what\u2019s fueling this new era in Pistons basketball.<\/p>\n

How the Detroit Pistons Have Become Must-See Basketball<\/h2>\n

Pistons Basketball: Last Season\u2019s Vibes and Current Transformation<\/h3>\n

Opponents still walk into matchups with the Pistons expecting an easy win\u2014and, given last season, it\u2019s understandable. This was the team with the league\u2019s worst record, going 14-68 and suffering through a brutal 28-game losing streak<\/a>. With so many roster changes<\/a> and a new coaching staff<\/a>, it\u2019s plausible for teams to assume the Pistons are still trying to find their footing. The reality, however, is that Detroit has been gelling since the preseason.<\/p>\n

The backcourt duo of Cade Cunningham<\/a> and Jaden Ivey<\/a> has emerged as one of the most promising in the league. Add in Tim Hardaway Jr.<\/a> and Malik Beasley\u2019s<\/a> strong contributions, plus Tobias Harris\u2019<\/a> veteran presence, and the Pistons have been coming out swinging, hitting teams hard and early. Times have changed in Detroit, and it\u2019s time the league takes notice of what this team is building.<\/p>\n

Same Issues, New Challenges to Overcome<\/h3>\n

Despite the Pistons\u2019 progress, two recurring issues still hold them back: turnovers and closing out games. With 17.2 turnovers per game, they rank 28th<\/a> in the NBA, and Cunningham\u2019s 5.0 turnovers per game lead the league<\/a>. Their struggles with ball security give opponents extra possessions to turn the tide, making it tough to hold onto double-digit leads. If the Pistons can cut down on turnovers, those leads might become safer.<\/p>\n

In crunch time, it\u2019s natural for the team\u2019s best player to take the reins. For the Pistons, that responsibility falls on Cunningham. As the closer, he has the ball in his hands, and his decisions often make or break the game. While Cunningham has shown plenty of promise, he occasionally forces plays that lead to costly mistakes. When the offense stalls, teammates tend to fall into a passive \u201cstand-and-watch\u201d mode, relying on Cunningham\u2019s isolation play and making the offense predictable. To truly compete, the Pistons need consistent ball and player movement for the full 48 minutes.<\/p>\n

Thrilling Crunch Time Moments and Late-Game Struggles<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s something about clutch shooting that turns the final minutes into a roller coaster for the Pistons. On Tuesday night, Tyler Herro<\/a> hit three three-pointers, erasing a nine-point lead and tying the game. Only a flawless inbounds play\u2014and an unexpected timeout call by Erik Spoelstra\u2014sealed the win for Detroit.<\/p>\n