As a professional basketball team, maintaining a late, fourth quarter lead should be a priority. It's really that simple: with time running low on the clock, and with a sizable lead, any squad that plans on being a quality, formidable opponent needs to put a team away. Especially when that team posted the worst record in the NBA last season.
The tasked proved too difficult for the Detroit Pistons however, as a last second three-pointer from Anthony Morrow sank the 'Stones in their first match of the season. The Nets, who won all or f 12 games last season, were able to overcome an 87-77 deficit with less than six minutes remaining to emerge with the 101-98 victory.
Center Brooke Lopez led New Jersey with 25 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, compared to a combined 10 points, zero blocks and 13 rebounds between starting Piston's center Ben Wallace and forward Austin Daye. Detroit's offense was not necessarily the problem though, as they had seven players with double-digit scoring performances.
While distributing on offense is key for the Pistons to succeed (lacking any true superstar or game-changer) everyone in the Motor City remembers how they won their title in 2005: defense. There is no way this club can achieve its goal of returning to the playoffs if it allows a miserable offense team like the Nets to break the century mark on the scoreboard.
Granted, it is the first game of the season, it was on the road, and we have no idea how good the Nets really are going to be this season. But that is no excuse for any NBA team to blow such a big lead late in a game. Turn make "Deeeetroittt Basketballll" relevant again, leaders Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince need to rally this team together and change the losing culture that seeped into the locker room last season.
thepistons areinneed of rebuilding. Princeneedssome new teritoryand could bring in some new firepower. Rip has a huge contract and his medium jumper is not falling as it once did. So unfortunately it looks likethe pistons will be the new lions of Detroit.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that Detroit's offense lacks any real firepower. They have a ton of guys on the team who would be great second and third scoring options, but nobody that can really take over a game. It used to be ok when they had solid defense, but no it leaves them a mediocre team at best.
ReplyDeleteOh, and thank god they signed Tracy McGrady...