Gun Culture And Society
The Pistons still have a 3-point shooting problem, with no easy solutions
The Pistons still have a 3-point shooting problem, with no easy solutions
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Los Angeles, California
LOS ANGELES — Sunday marked a critical moment for the Detroit Pistons as they faced off against the LA Clippers, highlighted by a remarkable performance from Clippers’ All-Star Kawhi Leonard. The game highlighted ongoing struggles for the Pistons, particularly in their shooting from beyond the arc.
Despite Leonard’s extraordinary 55-point double-double, the Pistons found themselves unable to capitalize on their opportunities, especially during the first half, where they went 0-12 from 3-point range. This was the team’s first time this season ending a half without a successful three-pointer. Ultimately, despite finishing the game with a slightly improved 7-of-29 score from deep, they dug themselves into a significant 26-point deficit.
While Detroit’s defense has remained one of its strong suits, ranking second in the NBA with a defensive rating of 110.9, this loss exposed a glaring need for offensive improvement. The Pistons currently sit at 24th in the league for 3-point shooting percentage, hitting only 34.7% of their attempts. Duncan Robinson stands out as their best long-range threat, connecting at 38.7% on 7.4 attempts per game, but even his performance can’t carry the team alone.
Rising star Jaden Ivey is also trying to find his rhythm, shooting 39.6% from three since returning from knee surgery, while Caris LeVert—despite exiting the Clippers game with left knee soreness—boasts a 38.4% shooting average from the arc. Cade Cunningham, who has taken on the leadership role within the team, expressed the need for improved teamwork to create better open shot opportunities after acknowledging their lack of execution in the first half of the game.
“First half, we didn’t do a good job of getting each other good shots and making clean passes,” Cunningham reflected post-game. As the Pistons struggled to hold their lead in the playoff race, their reliance on defense put additional pressure on them to create points, which typically falls to Robinson.
Historical performance suggests a correlation between Robinson’s shooting and the team’s success: in victories, he averages 42% shooting from three, but that drops to 27.1% in losses. An eye should be kept on rookie Chaz Lanier, currently out of rotation but showing promise in the G League, including a surprising performance of 40 points in his debut with the Motor City Cruise. Lanier secured impressive 9-of-13 shooting from three in that outing, signifying potential yet to be harnessed at the NBA level.
As the Pistons aim for trading solutions to bolster their offensive capabilities, it’s clear they are pressed against a pivotal moment in the season. They've experienced success despite ranking low in 3-point shooting, notably still holding a 1.5-game lead over the New York Knicks in standings despite recent losses, marking just their second occurrence of losing back-to-back games. It’s crucial for their postseason aspirations that they ramp up their three-point shooting efficiency.
Cunningham provided a steadfast perspective on the recent challenges, stating, “We’ve been at the bottom of the league before. We won’t lose our competitiveness, and we’re not going to lose our spirit over two games. It’s a long season.” Yet, the implication of these games underlines a potentially crucial turning point as they look for consistency amidst their efforts.
It's crucial for the Pistons to sift through the noise while balancing improvements with realistic expectations following the loss to the Clippers. With trade deadline talks starting to heat up, the franchise’s ability to identify reliable 3-point shooters will be a vital factor in determining their trajectory as they strive for postseason success.
The Pistons find themselves at a crossroads. Their offensive woes present both an immediate concern and an opportunity for growth as they approach the trade deadline. Players like Duncan Robinson must find a way to elevate their game consistently, while potential trades could shift their dynamic positively. Early discussions appear to signal a push for better shooting options—will the front office respond in time to optimize their playoff chances? Stay tuned, as clarity is pivotal in understanding where this team can progress from this point forward.