The Pistons did all they could against the Bucks yesterday. Down zero to three and facing the very real prospect of a third consecutive postseason elimination without a single win to show for their efforts, they resolved to hit the ground running, and did. They put up a double-digit lead not even halfway through the first period, relying on their trademark physicality and determination to overcome a decided talent gap. And they played with purpose from then on; they challenged every shot, went for every 50-50 ball, and took every risk they could — all while sticking to set patterns.
For a while, the Pistons’ plan worked. Up until late in the third period, they managed to keep the Bucks at bay with a methodical offense that capitalized on six-time All-Star Blake Griffin’s astute playmaking, plus a stout defense that accepted the consequences of frequent contact. They were tough — even rough — on their coverages, in the process keeping their opponents off balance. Unfortunately, all the resulting foul calls negated whatever advantages they erected through judicious, if uncharacteristically efficient, shooting; they sent the competition to the line too often for comfort.
Ultimately, the Pistons couldn’t prevent the inevitable. Perhaps they would have been able to prolong the series were Griffin not ailing from a bum left knee that kept him out of Games One and Two. Against better judgment, he suited up for Game Three and yesterday, and his presence did make them much, much better. Still, it was clear that he suffered from a glaring lack of mobility. Meanwhile, the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo proved to be in fine form, exhibiting all the skills of a preemptive favorite to for the season’s Most Valuable Player award.
In any case, the Pistons have much to ponder on. Their roster is uneven at best, and there is cause to argue that erstwhile top dog Andre Drummond’s physique and attendant predilections don’t fit the pace-and-space preferences of the modern-day National Basketball Association. The flipside is that they likewise have much to look forward to. At the very least, they have Griffin, who may have to go under the knife but should be fine after proper treatment. They also have Dwane Casey, as good a coach as any in the league.
Considerable work and luck are required for the Pistons to progress, but, if nothing else, they’re patient, they have a foundation to build on, and they have the commitment of owner Tom Gores. And with the right pieces in place, they should soon be done scrambling in the regular season just for one-and-done appearances in the playoffs. It’s not a matter of if, but of when.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.
