Wow. For the Pistons, tonight could not have gone any worse.
The rust was evident early, coming off a stretch of rest the Pistons opened the game sloppy as could be. Turnovers were all over the floor and that left them down 13 early, 6-19 with 6:20 remaining in the first quarter. D-Rose checked into the game to an expected standing ovation and that seemed to spark the team, as they then went on a 24-8 run to grab the lead at 30-27 with 45 seconds left in the first.
However, things went downhill following that tremendous run and as things always seem to with the Pistons, their play spiraled and got out of control. Although they only trailed by four at halftime, that deficit continued to grow as the clock winded down. The team had only scored seven points in the third quarter with 4:36 remaining, and that theme was consistent as they finished the quarter only shooting 15% in those 12 minutes of play and down 13. Their offense didn’t get much better in the fourth, in case there was any doubt. It looked most out of sync when Blake passed up a wide open three for a contested Christian Wood shot from the left wing. The defense was less than good, the offense was flat out bad, and the ball security was once again a major problem. Cook all that up and what pops out? Another Pistons loss.
The Pistons looked really awful yet again tonight, to a rebuilding Chicago team I might add. Reggie is still out, Blake is not completely back and Pistons did look a little rusty early, but that does not excuse a 20 point loss after having four days to prepare for this game. The Pistons are skidding, and the panic button is in sight; if this play continues, the team just may be forced to press it.
The Pistons next game comes Friday, November 22, against the Hawks at home. At this point every game is a must win, or the time to ‘blow it up’ may have arrived.
Piston Territory 