Ben Gordon fell awkwardly on his ankle earlier in the week and has sat out the last two games. He may return for the next game. No word yet on Hamilton and Prince. So, without their three best players (arguably), the Pistons will struggle to beat anyone, even the Clippers. Of course, these aren't the Clippers of years past. They do have honest-to-goodness stars in Baron Davis, Eric Gordon and Marcus Camby. They've also got the best Central Michigan product this side of Dan Majerle - Chris "Lumberjack" Kaman. Kaman has quietly grown into an impressive, potential All-star at power forward. Six years into the league, Kaman now averages 20 points and 8 boards per night. Last night, Kaman led the team with 26 points on an amazingly efficient 11/13 shooting.
For a team that focuses on defense, it's got to be frustrating for the Pistons to allow the Clips to shoot 59% for the game. Somehow, the Clippers only had 63 shots to the Pistons 91, but still won handily. That's an astounding 28 fewer shots! I tell ya... I think that Utah loss from the week before truly did break their spirit. They still give the effort, but they no longer believe they can win. The losing streak could continue into double digits, so brace yourself. We must focus on the positives, and there were many.
Stuckey has assumed a leadership role. He scored 21 with 7 assists before fouling out. He only managed 2 foul shots, compared to Baron Davis's 11, so he's got major room to grow on that front. But Stuckey only turned it over 2 times in 34 minutes. Solid. With Gordon out, Austin Daye started at shooting guard. With Jerebko, the Pistons started two rookies for the first time since 1993. Daye got 13 and 5 boards, but it was Jerebko who really proved his worth. The young Swede struck for a season high 22, including 4/4 from 3-pt land.
One of the main reasons for the recent losing streak is Will Bynum. The burly point guard injured his ankle against the Lakers and hasn't been the same since. He's playing through the pain, but his stats illustrate his lack of burst. Since LA, Bynum's shooting 32%. The prior five games? 60%. That's a massive drop-off. And with no Gordon or Hamilton, it's even more noticeable. Bynum can't sit out, though. His backup is Chucky Atkins. While I'll never forget Chucky's school-yard growl and clutch shooting in the '02 playoffs, he's a bit past his prime.
For some Piston fans, this season is going exactly according to plan. Develop the rookies, play for a high draft pick (i.e. lose). That can't be how Joe D sees it though. He's got to sell tickets, and the fans will only pay to see wins. We'll see how patient Joe D will be.
As for the Wings, the player turnover has no doubt caught up with them. They can't get the puck in the net. And Osgood? Letting 3 goals in on 17 shots? Not acceptable, especially when his opponent stopped 40 shots out of 40. This is the second game in a row the Wings were shut out. Back to back shutouts haven't happened since '01. Dark days indeed.
Like I said last time, though, the season will not be won or lost over Thanksgiving. They've just got to power through and stay healthy. Keep up the effort, the puck control, and good things will happen.
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