Well the Pistons lost again. This ends there two game winning streak. I'm going to be honest with you, the refs blew the game. Also Kuester blew the game. The players blew game. Even we as fans blew the game. We as a Detroit Pistons organization just plain suck.
We as fans turned the channel when we were losing. We as coaches didn't do anything to stop the Warriors fastbreak. And we as players didn't do what it takes to win the game.
The pistons started the game strong with Tayshaun Prince scoring 6 of his 15 points right off the bat. It 21 -20 with 3 minutes remaining in the 1st quarter and the warriors exploded for 14 points to go up 21-34. Monta Ellis had 21 points of the warriors 34 at the end of the first quarter. Monta Ellis still only finished with 27 points because of foul trouble.
The 2nd quarter didn't change much at all as the warriors kept up there scoring steak at the beginning of the quarter. At one point the Pistons were down 32. Kuester refused to try any lineup changed or timeouts to slow down the streaking Warriors. The Warriors just ran and ran and ran on the pistons.
What really killed the pistons at this point wasn't really the fastbreak alone. The whole first half the Warriors ran a very strong 2-3 zone on defense and close down on anyone who came near the lane with the ball. The pistons didn't pass out for open shots at all. The 2-3 zone suffocated the Pistons offense and forced many turnovers. The only real reason the Pistons were able to fight back is because the Warriors got so far ahead that they stopped playing defense and let the Pistons start finding there offense.
What some people didn't catch was another argument between Prince and Kuester before the end of the half. Apparently something happened during halftime because Prince came out complaining alot during the shoot around then started the 2nd half.
The pistons main plan in the 3rd quarter was to run at the hoop and force as many fouls as possible. This plan seemed to work since they were able to bring the score somewhat closer slowly. The 3rd quarter had Daye hitting his 10th straight 3. Sadly he later on missed another 3 to end his streak. He was 3 away from the record for most consecutive 3s during a season before he missed is 3rd and last 3 attempt of the game later on. Ben Wallace also pulled out his trademark random baseline reverse layup off a spin off the defender at one point. The 3rd quarter ends with the score 68-87.
The Pistons had to fight back so much just to be this far down and they fought even harder in the last quarter. They held the foul ridden Warriors to only 14 points in the 4th quarter. At one point Charlie Villanueva hit 2 straight angry 3 pointers. He finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds.
With around 8 minutes left in the game Monta Ellis receives his 5th foul and is sat for most the 4th quarter which allows the pistons to fight back into the game. The Pistons are as close as 2 points at one point. The Pistons fought to have a chance at winning the game. But sadly all was lost when Ben Gordon dribbled the ball into the defenders hands and gave it away. Even after that the Pistons had multiple chances which they ruined by missing freethrows. Missed freethrows ruined all if any chances of them winning.
This game was a real heartbreaker for me. I live blogged the whole game and watched every minute of it. I kept watching when they were down 32. Every game the Pistons play there hearts out and anytime they lose its because Kuester doesn't do all he can to keep them in games. This game is just another learning experience for the Pistons. Up next we got the Lakers. Lets get it Pistons.
Player Summary
On a somewhat brighter note Austin Daye's consecutive 3 point streak ended today at 10. Austin Daye started and got 25 minutes of playing time. Oddly Kuester kept Daye off the floor at the end of the game. Daye finished with 14 Points 6 if which game from shooting 2-3 from behind the arch. He also threw in 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
Charlie Villanueva played a great game. I mean fantastic game. I have never seen him work so hard before. He was tackling rebounds Reggie Evans like. 6 of his 18 points game from a streak of 2 angry 3s. His rebounds were amazing. He jumped at a loose ball toward the very end to give the Pistons another chance at winning. He had 2 assists and 1 steal and 1 block to go along with his 18 points and 8 rebounds. He played his heart out. Charlie Villanueva should be starting.
Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince vs Kuester. What is there really to say about Stuckey. He plays a great game and wants to lead the team just as much as Kuester does. Prince feels the same way. Kuester needs to control the team thru coaching decisions and not by just yelling at them. Stuckey has been playing perfectly of late. Sadly the same cannot be said about Prince. he may of scored the first 6 points. But he had alot of key turnovers and missed alot of layups and simple plays on both sides of the ball. Prince needs to do better or Daye needs to start over him.
The Pistons players played great. Some coaching was lacking but in the end they still almost won. Players need to make more freethrows and Kuester needs to coach better.
Can't wait for the Lakers game. I got $5 on the Pistons winning.
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