I thought the Charlotte game was rock bottom. Apparently, the Pistons had other ideas. Against Toronto last night, the only thing worse than their offensive performance (64 points) was the fact that I was actually there to see it. The Pistons continue to find new ways to suck. Sorry for the negativity during this festive season. Unfortunately, there's no positive way to spin it.
During the last three games, the Pistons have averaged a 16 point deficit... at halftime. They've lost six in a row, though hardly against power teams. With the exception of the Lakers, the opponent's combined record is 69-73.
The Pistons were never an offensive juggernaut, but they've actually regressed since the beginning of the season. Forget about actually making a shot, they have difficulty actually taking a shot. The Raptors, the second worst defensive team in the NBA, kept the Pistons to 28% shooting. Kuester summed it up perfectly, "That was a terrible, embarrassing loss." During one of Toronto's many runs, the jumbotron showed Kuester burying his face in his hands. Welcome to our Hell.
Perhaps the most discouraging aspect of the loss is that the Pistons actually tried to win. They had tons of offensive rebounds which usually signifies high energy and effort. Yet, Toronto carved them up like General Patton through Bastogne.
Kuester took the blame for the loss, claiming, "We didn't look prepared, and that's my job." He's also gotta find an offensive flow. There was no movement, just repeated pick-and-rolls and isolation plays. Quick question... why would Kuester draw up a pick-and-roll with Ben Wallace? What's Ben gonna do? Roll off and hit a 18-footer? Those plays work with Chris Bosh, McDyess, Brad Miller. It's a worthless play if the guy setting the pick has no jumper. I don't get it. Ben is a fine passer and should be implemented in the offense, and it's on Kuester to figure it out. Whatever they're doing now should be considered a colossal failure.
I'm hoping, praying this is rock bottom. A few more losses like this and Kuester will be entering Marinelli-level incompetence. It's that bad. It's that embarrassing.
And things aren't much better on the ice. While the Pistons were sucking it up at the Palace, the Red Wings were getting shut out (yet again) by the Blackhawks. Folks in the D are about ready to raise up the white flag.
it was like watching the jr high jv team play the pros.
ReplyDeleteit was like watching a baby deer stare at a hungry lion.
it was like watching a soapbox derby car race against andretti.
it was like a cat playing with a mouse with one leg before eating it.
it was like watching a dandelion in the path of a tornado.
it was bad.