Obviously a 33-point defeat on the Pistons floor, in the context of the regular season, would have been widely commented on. This visit of the Bucks to Michigan on Sunday, without Giannis Antetokounmpo or Khris Middleton, was at least the opportunity to Doc Rivers to say two words about the opposing team.
A Pistons team coming out of a season ending with the worst record in its history (14 wins – 68 losses). Which didn't entirely surprise the Bucks coach.
“ They had so many kids last year. They had a young team and had very few players who could shoot. That's the best recipe for disaster, and that's what happened. Unfortunately, Monty (Williams) got punished for that, but I don't know if Knute Rockne would have won », formulates the technician speaking of the legendary American football coach.
Young and clumsy
At the start of last seasonthe Pistons were in the top 10 youngest teams in the league with an average age of around 25, while the Bucks were in first place in that ranking.
In parallel with this youth, the squad presented serious shortcomings in terms of skill, with no real specialist in the discipline. Except a Joe Harris worn out and cut along the way. As a result, the Pistons finished far from the best 3-point teams in success (35%) and volume: last in the league with 11 winning shots per game.
And then, as Doc Rivers recalls, Cade Cunningham made many visits to the infirmary. “ It's difficult to win when you're young and your best player is injured. But Cade is healthy, I guess. Young people are better. (Marcus) Sasser and (Jaden) Ivey are going to be great players. They are young, aggressive, tough. That's what we like », continues the coach.
Veterans in support
The latter especially welcomes the club's summer recruitment, focused on veterans, with the arrivals of Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris and Paul Reed. Two players that Doc Rivers knew in Philadelphia and who are among his “ favorites for years “.
“ He's a pro, a pro from a pro, with a strong character like there is in the league. It will be great for young people. What matters is how he goes about his daily tasks. He will be a great example for everyone », Projects Rivers when talking about Harris, also absent last night.
To hear him say, the Pistons have come part of the way this summer. All that remains is to confirm on the ground, to forget the “disaster” of last season.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
