Beware, naughty dogs of Detroit

It is not easy to win a match without your managers. THE Clips did it against the Bulls. Could they do it a second time, against Philadelphia? The answer is positive, s logical success but stole away after a close encounter, which could also have turned in favor of the Sixers.

The list of absentees, however, is long: Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, as well as Auzar Thompson, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren… But the group collectively responded with 21 points from Javonte Green, 19 from Dennis Jenkins, 15 from Duncan Robinson and even 14 from Isaiah LeVert. Not forgetting 10 points for Paul Reid, hero against chicago.

This victory is in a way a confirmation that JB Bickerstaff has managed to establish an identity in this group, which thus resists absences, however important they may be.

“There’s a nasty side to this team and that’s what’s beautiful”, notes the Detroit coach. “They like it when it’s intense, when it’s chaotic and ugly. That’s what motivates them. We like to push people and see how they react. We’ve got a bunch of bad dogs in this locker room. And they like it.”

The “bad guys” who dominate the Eastern Conference

This matchup was contested and Tyrese McKay and his gang even had the lead in the third quarter while the Pistons suffered on offense. In the final seconds before the start of the final act, Dennis Jenkins breathed life into his team, which found energy in defense for the last twelve minutes of the game.

“Our ability to defend at a high level when it matters most is impressive”admires JB Bickerstaff before Philadelphia’s 15 points in the final quarter. “The players know, although I wish it had been done earlier, that they can get to a level where they dominate their opponent.”

This ninth straight win allows the franchise to regain its former glory as Michigan hasn’t seen such a streak since the 2007-08 season. With 11 wins in 13 games, Detroit dominates the Eastern Conference. And it could continue in the upcoming game against the poor Pacers and, given the style of the Pistons, there is no reason for them to relax the pressure.

“We’re all bad dogs, bad boys, whatever you want to call us. That’s what we are. We’re a bunch of dogs. Nobody wants a mutt in the house, right?”comments Daniss Jenkins. “He’s a dog too”Isaiah Stewart says of his coach. “He wants to focus on defense and fighting. That’s a perfect fit for basketball in Detroit.”