theathleticuk
Through the first 10 games of the NBA season, the Detroit Pistons sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 7-3 record, even though Jalen Duren, their second-leading scorer, has been out with a right hamstring strain since the first half of the second game. As trends begin to take shape, several factors have propelled Detroit's strong opening.
3-Point Shooting Appears Legit
Last season, 3-point shooting was one of Detroit's weakest offensive areas. This season, the Pistons are converting 37 percent from beyond the arc, ranking eighth in the league. Duncan Robinson has made 42 triples, tied with Golden State's Stephen Curry for third in the league behind Luka Dončić and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Robinson (45.7 percent), Paul Reed (62.5 percent), and Daniss Jenkins (42.9 percent) all shoot above 40 percent, while John Collins is at 38.5 percent. The team's 138 3-pointers are the most through 10 games in franchise history, according to Pistons PR.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after a win over the Miami Heat last month that 3-point shooting was a point of emphasis over the summer. "To be able to make some of those decisions that helped find that space," Bickerstaff said. "We know we're still finding our way defensively. I don't think we've done our best that way yet. But last year, when you look at it, when we made over 10 3s or 12 3s, what our record was in those games. (General manager) Trajan (Langdon) and those guys did a great job of addressing it, and it just makes us hard to guard." The Pistons have incorporated much more movement in their offensive schemes, and their 3-point shooting has perfectly complemented their third-ranked defense, which boasts a 105.7 defensive rating. If Detroit can sustain its hot start from beyond the arc, the improved floor spacing should further benefit Cade Cunningham as he settles into the regular season.
Depth Remains Dangerous
Depth has been a Pistons strength since Bickerstaff took over. He routinely goes 11 to 12 players deep and prioritizes bench production. Jenkins is averaging 12.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds, proving reliable as a backup point guard and in his two starts. Reed has started seven of Detroit's 10 games in Duren's absence; his effectiveness has dwindled as his minutes increased, but he remains a fringe starter-level player who has provided valuable minutes. Kevin Huerter is averaging just 8.8 points per game, but he recently set a new high with Detroit, scoring 24 points against the Lakers on Sunday while recording a career-high five blocks. Huerter is showing defensive tenacity, averaging a steal and a block in just 23.1 minutes per game, likely earning minutes even when the team is at full strength. Even Javonte Green has impacted winning, as evidenced by his combined plus-67, which trails only Robinson (102) and Jenkins (74).
Defensive Dominance in Spurts
Detroit's defense still ranks among the league's best. The team has had more lapses on that end than it would like, but its baseline remains higher than most teams. The Pistons rank second in blocks per game (6.5), seventh in steals (9.5), and 10th in points off turnovers (20.2). They have held four opponents to fewer than 100 points. However, defensive execution has fallen short in stretches, and they have allowed multiple 40-point quarters. The numbers say they still have one of the best defenses in basketball, but they are accustomed to a higher standard and likely have another level to reach.
Cunningham Easing into Season
It is not uncommon for Cunningham to begin seasons getting a feel for the group. Collins is a new starter, Cunningham spent the second half of last season with Huerter, and Isaiah Joe, who has been sidelined for the last seven games with a right hip contusion, is a new teammate entirely. "He just needs to be himself. Cade has been amazing since we've been here at understanding the moment and doing what's right in the moment," Bickerstaff said. "He's always put the team first, so this isn't going to be about him doing something for him. It's going to be what the game deems necessary and how (defenses) decide to defend him." Cunningham seems to progressively improve and round into his best form as the season goes on. Through 10 games, he is averaging 22.3 points, 7.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks on 46/29/80 shooting splits. There appears to be a necessary feeling-out process to start each season, where Cunningham assesses what the team needs and finds a way to deliver. His scoring and assist numbers should eventually see a slight uptick to around 24 points and eight to nine assists. As the Pistons' seven wins attest, even this version of Cunningham significantly contributes to winning basketball.
Locker-Room Connectivity
The Pistons consistently attribute their strong start to synergy. That was a topic last season as well, and this is once again a close-knit group that spends time together on off days and in the offseason. "It's the togetherness, the fight. I think everybody has a certain makeup to them," Cunningham said after Monday's win over the Washington Wizards. "We've got guys that have a lot of substance to them, you know? We kind of bond over that, the fact that we all kind of come from something and we carry that with us." There is a collective selflessness among the group, explaining why the Pistons have had six different leading scorers in their 10 games. As much as Bickerstaff has instilled belief, it is the players who build each other up daily. Detroit's locker-room atmosphere is essential to their on-court success.
Originally reported by theathleticuk.