Facing the Celtics, the Pistons get a taste of spring
Maybe it’s only January, but Pistons – Celtics he already had the heat of the first beautiful days of May. Detroit won what looked like a war of attrition against their Eastern Conference runner-up. The regular season is only halfway through, and the truth could change in three months. But this prestigious success once again confirms the guarantees that the Michigan franchise has shown since the start.
For those lamenting the length of the season and those nights where defense is only an option, the duel played at Little Caesars Arena served as the ideal antidote to the Blue Monday gloom. The Pistons and Celtics went shot after shot in a rough, contact-saturated battle under near-constant tension. We didn’t have to wait until the end of the first quarter to see Jaylen Brown and Isaiah Stewart expose their animosity in a pas de deux that was too physical to stay in position.
These first twelve minutes, with 14 fouls and 20 free throw attempts, set the tone. And the Pistons didn’t just respond: they embraced the intensity.
https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=5cbeZAaB-Fc
These first 12 minutes with 14 fouls called and 20 free throw attempts put everyone involved in the game. And the Pistons did better than answer the call.
“This is how you forge your tools”
Any time you have the opportunity to play one of the best teams in the league, it tests your mentality., explained JB Bickerstaff. “That’s how you forge your tools.” Tonight was a great opportunity for us. You could feel that both teams really wanted this win. They raised the level of intensity, they fought. It’s a great experience for our players. »
Detroit did not refuse the challenge without denying it. After a shy start, the home team really got into the match with aggressive and collective defense.
Just five blocks in the second quarter, six thrown before the break: enough to put constant pressure on Boston. Even when the Celtics were able to find shooting positions, the Pistons did their best to limit the damage, holding them to 13/41 on three-pointers.
“When we defend properly, it allows us to reduce the number of threes our opponents take – or make them take the ones we’re willing to give up.”the coach explained in detail. “If they’re taking shots off the dribble, they’re rebounding, then we’ll live with that. The Celtics want a lot of long range, regardless of your defense. They took 41, but many were contested. By limiting them to 31% (compared to 36.9% average this season, editor’s note) and 13 successful shots, you give yourself a chance.”
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren are dating
And the Pistons grabbed him. They themselves slowed to 43.2% shooting, able to rely on strong men at the right time. Jalen Duren (18 points, 9 rebounds), first of all, valuable for gathering in the first quarter, while Neemias Cueta suffered and Luca Garza committed three fouls in three minutes. Cade Cunninghamensuite : All-Star Game winnershooting trouble but a perfect conductor on Monday (14 assists, 0 turnovers).
“Boston tried different defensive coverages, different players on different oppositions”analyzed by JB Bickerstaff. “I thought he did a really good job of assessing what was in front of him, putting his teammates in the right positions and making the right moves to help them.”
Behind the duo, Tobias Harris held his veteran rank with authority. Uncertain before the match, the strong winger was nevertheless the central cog in the victory.
His mastery in the middle and in the post provided welcome offensive variety for three quarters. But it was his two 3-pointers in the final three minutes in particular that turned the night around.
“It was huge, and it’s a constant”Bickerstaff rejoiced. “When we need him the most, we know we can count on him. To settle our game, go for the basket, communicate, rally the team. That’s what makes him so important.”
“Uncle” Harris, still good leg, good eye
At 33 years old, Tobias Harris scored 25 points (his second best game of the season) while spending much of the night on Jaylen Brown (11/28 shooting). Less exposed than at other stages of his career, he’s still no less valuable, especially for a group still under construction.
“It’s a great time”Cade Cunningham greeted. “More than anything, it’s the way he carries himself: his professionalism, the way he takes care of his body, the way he works. He’s an inspiration to all young people. He has a lot of experience in the playoffs and winning teams. When he arrived, the most important thing for us was to have a player who can give us that experience and that calmness in big games.
The one nicknamed “Unc” (Uncle, “Uncle”) in the locker room assures him that he wants to preserve his youthful spirit while expanding his experiences. “The most important thing is to have fun, especially after so many years in the league”confides Tobias Harris. “And to install these winning habits that we build day by day.”
A defense in place, solid leaders and an “old man” still green: Detroit has what it takes to see it coming. Especially now, 5.5 wins ahead of Boston atop the Eastern Conference.
2026-01-20 13:28:00
