Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers 2/13/2024
Game Breakdown
Pistons - 111-125 L
Cade, Ivey, Fontecchio, Ausar, Duren
Pistons HC defense wasn’t bad to start the game, then had some breakdowns and then turnovers OR blocked shots (while complaining about no foul call) leads to transitions buckets for the Lakers
Goodness, the transition defense was so bad the entire 1st half
Lakers are one of the top 5 transition offenses in the NBA but you would have liked to see the Pistons make an effort to take that away or at least a little bit more than this
It was just a parade to the rim for the Lakers the entire 1st quarter
Post ups, drives, cuts, transition
Fournier over Shake was interesting to me
Although, he did do some good things and you can see that he MIGHT have some scoring juice left in him
Shake does eventually come in the 2nd quarter for Muscala giving the Pistons an 11 man rotation
There are some things I have started to like that Monty does but the rotation, full 2nd unit lineups and insistence on playing 11/12 players in the rotation is not one of them
Lakers being able to attack them in the HC the way they are is pretty discouraging considering the Lakers are known for struggling in the HC offensively and not always being able to pressure the lane
DUREN first ball screen defensive possession again shows some growth with his hand activity trying to take away passing windows
Mention it every game but the footwork growth really is impressive
Wonder if that little push floater could be something he really emphasizes with growth this offseason
He is 57% from 3-10 feet (up from 51% last season) according to BBall Ref
IVEY process still needs to improve at times
2nd possession of game he turns down C&S corner 3 off one pass in transition (GOOD!) BUT then proceeds to jab, shot fake, jab, not move the defender and then airball a 3PA from same spot
Either shoot off the catch (which I wouldn’t have liked) OR attack the closeout OR just keep the ball moving and live to attack later in the possession
Don’t love the 2nd attempt either. Yes, have to make teams pay for going UNDER but he is so good getting downhill that I think he could have reused the screen and pressured the defense
Yea, process the whole game was not his best in this one
AUSAR floor spacing is an issue, especially when on the court with a non shooting big
First ATO they run a pindown into DHO for Ivey to get downhill and LBJ is just waiting on the lane line (to his credit, Ausar does make this one but 16% from 3 on 1.6 attempts just won’t get it done to space the floor)
Feel like playing him as a 4 next to a stretch big until he can shoot it better is the ideal path
I’ve always said you can survive with 2 non-shooters on the floor but man, it isn’t easy and I think you have to get pretty creative
If he gets good at catch and dribble right into a DHO he could start to make teams pay
The problem with that is that isn’t what best suits Cade and Ivey BUT it could be something he does very effectively with….Marcus Sasser
Actually has a great cut in the 4th when LBJ is locked into the ball but wasn’t able to finish the left hand finish
CADE getting some decent looks in the mid range in the 1st quarter but just not able to knock them down
BROWN continues to give good minutes
You can see him communicating on defense
Making the open jump shot opportunities he is giving
WISEMAN continues to be solid if nothing else
Finishing plays, trying to use his length defensively
If he was more purposeful with his length I think he could actually provide value here
Example, in ball screen defense he puts his hands straight out to the side as opposed to low in a pocket passing window or high trying to disrupt a lob
SASSER getting the same shots he usually gets but simply not making them
FONTECCHIO first FGA comes past the midway point of the 2nd quarter
Just a major change from what we saw in his first appearance
Realized this was his 2nd attempt (1st 3PA), he attacked a closeout and missed a little floater in the 1st quarter BUT point remains the same
I like that the first action out of halftime was to get him an open 3PA (which he makes)
I love his off ball relocation, such a valuable and underrated skill for a 3-point shooter
I did think his defensive activity and engagement was still on display in this game
He is NOT going to be a lock down guy but I also don’t think he is a weak link and can contribute to an overall good defensive team
Lakers
DLo, Reaves, Rui, LBJ, AD
HC Offense getting pretty good looks so far
Finding ways to get into the paint and get attempts (AD misses one he will usually make) AND pass out of double and quick reversal ends in DLo 3PM
Their flow and movement off of each other actually looks really good
HC and in transition
They were VERY opportunistic and effective in transition
Any deflection/steal, block, long rebound, etc. they were getting out and they were converting
Top 5 transition offense right now in the NBA
Defense is being very active
Deflections, steals, blocks (even DLo getting involved)
RUI getting some real usage in the mid post
LBJ 2nd in the NBA in transition points (5.4 per game)
DLO continues to play well…or at least make shots
Since moving back into starting lineup on 1/13 exactly a month ago)
24.2 PPG, 6.2 APG, 2.1 TOPG on 47-46-88 shooting in 37 MPG (15 GP)
He is still going to make some decisions and take some shots that drive you crazy though
AD should absolutely be in the DPOY debate/conversation
He is so active, blocks shots and disrupts a lot more
Awesome block of Ivey in transition
Uses his length to stunt at offensive players causing them to be indecisive
DINWIDDIE give them a little bit of a scoring punch late in the 3rd with LBJ, AD and Reaves all on the bench