This is called a five-point sequence. Three minutes from the end of the game against the Pistons, LaMelo Ball took the baseline, with a royal route to dunk with both hands. But the Hornets leader fell on the rampart Isaiah Stewart, who countered him. In the process, Alec Burks scored a 3-pointer in transition, to give Detroit a 9-point lead, which ultimately won by 12 points (99-111).
Earlier in the quarter, Lonzo’s brother had already clashed with Jalen Duren, trying to get closer to the circle. After the throw-in, he had to send a 3-point shot at the end of the possession, much too short. These sequences say a lot about his mixed evening (20 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists but 8/20 on shots, including 0/7 from distance and 4 lost balls).
They also say a lot about the quality of the Pistons defense. “ Our main collective goal is to play physical and make contact on defense. This is our identity, this is what we’re trying to do “, fixed Isaiah Stewart15 points and 7 rebounds last night.
A speech that fits perfectly with that of GM Troy Weaver, since he took office in 2020. “ Since I arrived here, this is our richest squad and it’s time to reverse the trend and focus on defense. We won’t be the Pistons until we defend. I’ve spoken to all the players about this, coach Monty Williams and the squad know it very well », He still displayed ahead of the regular season.
Still far from their glorious elders, from the Isaiah Thomas era to that of Ben Wallace, today’s Pistons have the merit of showing signs that are going in the right direction. In Miami, they limited the Heat to 103 points scored and a measly 40% success rate. And even better last night in Charlotte, where the Hornets capped at 99 points and a meager 37.5% skill.
Jalen Duren, the “monster”
The big downside to this small sample: the astronomical quantity of balloons lost, 39 in all. “ We can’t count on the defense to win if we lose so many balls again. It is going to be difficult. We didn’t manage to win in Miami because of that. […] But the defense helps us stay in the game. Being able to make three, four or five stops in a row and capitalize on it is all that matters. It is on this basis that we can build our future. “, Jalen Duren poster.
This already plays a central role in this perspective. This night, in addition to his two blocks and two interceptions, he accumulated 14 points (7/8 on shots), 17 rebounds and 3 assists. A ” monster » describes the coach opposite Steve Clifford.
“ Well done to the guys, we understand the game better. But Monty arrived, put in place a system that we can follow easily, and put in place principles in defense. Everyone adheres to it. We have guys who take it very seriously. When everyone invests on this side of the field, the result is there. The chemistry that we were able to build throughout the summer, and even last year, with the arrival of guys like Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser, who are also present, helps us », Judge Jalen Duren.
“ This is the line we try to follow every day and every match. We clearly have things to resolve: lost balls and fouls. We will continue to strive to reach this level every day and work hard “, finishes Isaiah Stewart, whose team makes its home debut next night against the Bulls.
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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.
