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Detroit Pistons cool down the Heat, continue five game winning streak

By Zackary Caldwell

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to a late game three pointer with teammates while playing the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena on November 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 111-104. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to a late game three pointer with teammates while playing the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena on November 10, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 111-104. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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With gritty defense and hot perimeter shooting, the Pistons beat the Heat and sweep the five-game homestand, proving to be legitimate contenders.

Here I am Sunday night writing about the Detroit Pistons being 10-3 and second place in the Eastern Conference. To say that was expected would be an outright lie. The Pistons completed a five-game homestand with five victories, all while beating some playoff contenders in the East. In fact, they did this mostly without two key rotation players in Stanley Johnson and Jon Leuer.

Not only are the Pistons looking to be a playoff team, this team also wants to be a factor in the playoffs. The best part is that this team is fun to watch. Let’s break down the victory over the Miami Heat.

1. Biggest takeaway: Luke Kennard was a good draft choice

Kennard was an interesting draft choice, with higher upside players on the board at pick #12. The casual profile of Luke Kennard was simple: He’s a shooter who is not a good athlete, will struggle to get to attack the basket, and won’t be able to defend. To simply put it, those were asinine assessments.

Luke Kennard will never win a draft combine, but he has a lot of skills on the offensive end of the floor. Kennard can get to the rim, with a crafty handle and quick first step. With his release, he will always be able to shoot from the outside. He is developing a floater in the lane and is an impressive passer, with three assists Sunday night. The defense is lacking, but he is a rookie. Very few rookies can play NBA defense at a consistent level. He crashes the boards, and was such an asset spacing the floor and moving the basketball. He led the Pistons with a +21 plus/minus against Miami.

Kennard might not find consistent playing time this year, but Sunday night shows he was a worthwhile lottery pick. Once Kennard gets stronger and finds his footing on defense, I believe you will have an NBA starter. However, he needs to keep improving and moving the ball on offense. He will be a factor down the road for the Detroit Pistons.

2. Player of the game: Avery Bradley

A really tough decision between Bradley and Tobias Harris, but we go with Bradley for the fantastic defense. After a slow start, Bradley is showing his prowess scoring the ball. This offense fits Bradley to his strengths perfectly. First of all, he moves without the ball extremely well. This leads him to receive easy looks in transition and off screens. Secondly, Bradley is very adept at receiving a handoff and rising up for a jump shot. Even with a defender in his face, he rises up quickly and balances himself off the catch. Add in the Jackson/Drummond pick and roll play,  and it gives Avery Bradley plenty of opportunities.

How can you talk about Avery Bradley and not mention his stellar defense? Primarily guarding Gordan Dragic, he made Dragic work for everything Sunday. With 18 points and 7 turnovers, Dragic’s stat line was solid, but he was a non-factor late with Bradley hounding him. Every time I watch Avery Bradley on defense, I am convinced he’s one of the four or five best perimeter defenders in the NBA.

3. Stat of the game: 6-21 

The Miami Heat’s strategy on offense was to launch three-pointers all game. Pushing the pace, the Heat were able to grab some open looks early by going 7-16 in the first quarter from three. But after the first, the Pistons clamped down and held Miami to 28.5% from deep. I felt Detroit was active on defense all night and the Heat hit some tough shots. But once again, the defense was fantastic late and sealed the game.

Once again, this team competes and wears you down. Holding Miami to 43.3% shooting overall, the Pistons force you into bad shots. The bench continues to produce, and the Pistons were +15 in the rebounding department. This team wins at home and makes you earn everything on the offensive end in Detroit. This is what Detroit Bad Boys basketball is all about.

Next: Lions game balls for win over the Browns

Now comes the hard part. The Pistons start a three-game road streak Wednesday night, taking on two Central division foes in the Bucks and the Pacers. The Timberwolves will be the last game on the trip, then back home to face LeBron James and the Cavaliers. After sweeping the homestand, there is a little room for error. Asking for two wins might be too much. But grab one (preferably against the Bucks or Pacers) of those three games for a victory and that would be a success. Reggie Jackson will need to be efficient and the defense must travel. The Pistons are looking legitimate right now, but time to show the East you are serious contenders.

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