The Pistons aim to improve their defense and free-throw shooting after a disappointing Game 4 loss to the Cavaliers, which tied the series at 2-2. They recognize the need to return to their winning form as they prepare for Game 5 in Detroit.
Key points
Pistons lost Game 4 to Cavaliers 112-103
Cavaliers had 34 free-throw attempts, Pistons had 19
The most significant concern was the disparity in free-throw shooting during Game 4, where the Cavaliers attempted 34 foul shots compared to just 19 for the Pistons. This discrepancy was particularly impactful, as it coincided with a 112-103 loss that tied the series at 2-2.
As the series returned to Detroit for Game 5, the Pistons recognized they needed to return to the level of performance that earned them 60 wins during the regular season. Not worrying about the officials is the only way they can regain full control of the series, which starts by cleaning up the defensive lapses the team has experienced amid back-to-back losses in Games 3 and 4.
"We just were not focused and playing playoff-level basketball," Ausar Thompson said. "We cannot worry about the whistle in general. We have to continue to play our brand of basketball. The refs cannot lose us the game. They can call more fouls, but they cannot lose us the game. We cannot go out there focusing on the refs. There are a lot of things that we did on our own that got us in this situation, and we have to be better."
Ausar Thompson, left, said the Pistons need to get back to playing "our brand of basketball" after back-to-back losses to James Harden, right, and the Cavaliers.
Ausar Thompson, left, said the Pistons need to get back to playing "our brand of basketball" after back-to-back losses to James Harden, right, and the Cavaliers.
When the Pistons held a 2-0 series lead, much of their success stemmed from their defensive play. They held the Cavaliers to 99 points during the first two games, with a defensive net rating of 107. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 43.5% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. With an offensive net rating of 107, Detroit's defense had Cleveland looking far from the team that finished the regular season with the league's sixth-best offense (113.2).
Q&A
What was the free-throw shooting disparity in Game 4 between the Pistons and Cavaliers?
In Game 4, the Cavaliers attempted 34 free throws while the Pistons only attempted 19.
How did the Pistons perform in the regular season before facing the Cavaliers?
The Pistons had a strong regular season, finishing with 60 wins.
What did Ausar Thompson say about the Pistons' focus after their losses?
Ausar Thompson emphasized that the team needs to focus on their own performance and not worry about the referees.
What is at stake for the Pistons in Game 5 against the Cavaliers?
Game 5 is crucial for the Pistons as they aim to regain control of the series after back-to-back losses.
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The Pistons' strongest defensive strategy was using their physicality to force turnovers on the Cavaliers. Cleveland averaged 15.5 turnovers over the first two games. James Harden highlighted the Cavaliers' struggles with ball control, averaging 5.5 turnovers in Games 1 and 2. However, similar to their feelings about the changing whistle, it coincided with their defense slumping.
"There is a lot we can take away from this series, but we know who we are and what type of basketball we need to play," Cade Cunningham said. "We did not execute that great here (in Cleveland). Now, it is all about going home and doing it at the crib. This is nothing that we have not done before, and we know what it takes. We have to get our minds right."
The Pistons have recorded the league's third-worst defensive performance over the last two games, posting a defensive net rating of 120. They are only behind the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers, who were both swept in their respective conference semifinals series.
The Cavaliers averaged 114 points per game while shooting 50.7% from the field and 35.6% from 3-point range. The defensive slump the Pistons experienced at Rocket Arena allowed the Cavaliers to cut their turnovers in half (15) while enabling several key players to find their rhythm. Leading the way was Donovan Mitchell, who averaged 39 points on 53.2% shooting from the field in Cleveland's two wins.
Many of the defensive issues the Pistons have shown during their two-game skid stem from failed rotations and overhelping on a few occasions, which have provided Cleveland with open looks outside the perimeter.
"They started to attack switches more, and their guys went to more of their iso game. We have to be in a better position to help one another. I thought the floor had a bit more space than what we normally allow, which allowed guys to drive the ball, get to the paint, and make plays," coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.
"We have shrunk the floor more. We were just a little too hugged up to our man too much because of their ability to shoot. We need to do a better job of being tighter, and when the ball starts moving, we can fly and close out to our guy."
The Pistons left Cleveland feeling frustrated by the results and their performance over the last two games. Despite these challenges, they remain extremely confident in their ability to return to their standard of play and win the series.
They have a unique ability to not only thrive through adversity but also to use it as a springboard for a new winning streak. Before their Game 3 loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday, the Pistons had won five straight postseason games, which followed their impressive 3-1 comeback against the Orlando Magic. It was an accomplishment that began once they got back to their defensive identity.
"Losing a game in the NBA is nothing to hang our heads about," Cunningham said. "They are a good team and handled their business on their home floor. We are going to come back better and stronger."
NBA Playoffs, second round: No. 1 Pistons vs. No. 4 Cavaliers
