The Pacers were hot in Detroit. We had to wait until the last minutes for them to crack Pistons solid and serious, which led for a long time. Even after a drought of five minutes without a basket in the third quarter, JB Bickerstaff's players managed to stay the course.
It was really only in the final moments of the last quarter, facing baskets from Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton that the Pistons ended up losing by six points (109-115). Isn't that frustrating?
“There are a lot of positives. We did a lot of good things, from ball circulation to our defense,” believes JB Bickerstaff. “It's a big team in front, with its ability to spread the game and I think the guys were excellent in applying the instructions. The ball moved well, we were in the paint, we found the shooters. We just have to be consistent and deal with it, whether it fits or not. »
“I am satisfied with what we did in this part and with this starting point”
The Pistons can particularly rejoice in their first period on defense. The Pacers were limited to 49 points at 43% shooting success, 25% on 3-pointers, while losing 11 balls.
“The energy and physical intensity were excellent,” continues the coach. “Communication, application of instructions, etc. This was all done at a very high level. We will continue to improve, to understand how we achieve a good first half, then three quarters, finally four quarters. But the will is there. I am satisfied with what we did in this part and with this starting point. »
Be careful though since last season, before losing 28 matches in a row (NBA record), Michigan players won two of the first three matches of the season. So be wary of beautiful promises.
“It’s still there, I won’t forget. I'm not trying to bury this, it's part of me.” recalls Cade Cunningham. “Above all, you have to have a short memory. It's a new season, a new year. We have new players, new energy. We will approach the next match with confidence, keeping the same energy. We will win matches, I'm not worried, it's mainly about learning from our mistakes and improving. »
