At this point in the season it's tough to tell how much of this was Detroit being bad and how much of it was Houston being good. Harding looked awesome last night, and he and Lin are going to have a pretty tough backcourt. Delfino hitting those threes seemed to really kill the wind in Detroit's sails. The team obviously lacks a go-to scorer, but watching them it felt like watching a bunch of rookies that haven't played together that much (which is what they are). Their decisions were slow, passes weren't crisp, and defensive assignments looked really tentative. They came close to winning for much of the game because the team does have talent, but then Lin and Harden came back in and they couldn't defend against them. I understand what Frank was doing by going small-ball - Lin, Harden, and Delfino were taking over the game - but in doing so they weren't able to rebound and the Rockets were able to take advantage inside defensively. I also noticed that the Pistons (Monroe especially) lack great hands. Monroe might be a solid passer, but he's not great in traffic. Maybe it was that Houston was "reachy," but the Pistons weren't able to push it inside and because of the small ball, they weren't able to attack the glass. So yeah... I like Frank, but I'm hoping that he learns from this game.
Yet you have Maxiel, Stuckey and Prince in the starting lineup. I'm telling you guys, this team lacks cohesiveness, there are far too many holes. No speed, no athleticism and poor perimeter shooting.
Monroe's offense really bothered me the most last night. His first shot over Asik was very smooth and I remember saying to myself "oh, Moose is gonna have his way tonight". And then he started looking lost on offense. He needs to start hitting those quick catch and pop mid-range jumpers. He got totally outplayed by friggin Asik last night. The only good thing about last night is that Harden's on my fantasy team.
Harden and Lin highlighted something for me: there is very little wasted energy/effort in their moves. Its not lightning quick a la Iverson but Stuckey explodes and it looks like he has issues containing all that enrgy and channelling it. Like him and knight work against themselves a bit.
Is it just me that season after season gets pumped up over the bench? That's pretty sad. Like others said, the positives from this game was Kenny, AD and Chaz. When Bad Porn returns, Frank can finish the games with one more low-percentage shooter. More minutes for Dre. The Pistons promoted the Pistons vs OKC game by showing Durant dunk on various Piston players. Would this happen in Boston?
Just watched the game. Likes: English Singler BK (to an extent) JJ Maxiel BoT & Daye not playing Harden's statement Dislikes: BoT & Daye dressed, Kravtsov not Drummonds minutes "Fluid" rotations Perimeter defence Transition defence Monroe The last one may not be popular to all, but just from what I've seen so far in preseason and this game he continues to worry me a little. He is lucky in a sense as he can have an off year while Drummond continues to develop and it's not a contract year, but early in games, he really tries to force unrealistic shots. Also, if he is going to be a legitimate all star threat, he needs to take, and hit, that outside jumper. Passed on a number of open looks again and again to dribble step into a 3 man defence. Also, for a 2nd year Lawrence Frank team that is "focused on defence", we are going to have one of the worst points-against ranks again this year if that is what we dish up. First game of a bad 9 game run in which I predicted 2 wins though, so not about to cut down the river instead of across.
I noticed this. Forget Boston, would ANY team do this?!?! Atrocious!!! It's like they are advertising that people shouldn't come and watch the Pistons try to win against OKC as that will never happen, so you should just come and watch how good Durant is. Admittedly though, there is a very real chance that with OKC being relatively new, there is no Pistons highlights against OKC.
I think the two suit-and-tie spots will be rotated from game-to-game among Maggette, Daye, BoT, Russian guy, and Middleton. It appears that English and Singler are in the regular rotation for now.
Russian didn't come all the way over here to put on a tie. They better put him on the floor before they make him very angry.
That's the most passionate interview in history. Yeah, he went a little over the line when he started specifically mentioning family members and various orifices, but in Serbia, their version of hello just as raunchy. I think I'm beginning to realize how he got in LB's dog house.
The could at least dress the Russian guy in an Ivan Drago-like formal military uniform if they're not going to play him. The Pistons should just bite the bullet with Daye and trade him for a conditional 2nd rounder or cash. He's a sunk cost on a fixed wage who is blocking opportunity. What would (Insert First Name Here) Middleton or the Russian guy have to do to be worse players than Daye, punt the ball into the stands whenever they get it?
Anyone know if I'm allowed to put And if he has a daughter I'll blank her too as my signature? Where are the rules?
Monroe was our worst defender in this game by a long shot! His offense was also pathetic. I agree 100% with this assessment.
Actually, it's worse. Because the video was produced by the Pistons whereas the MVP chants just drove up from Ohio.
