The struggling Pistons put up 148 factors Wednesday night time. They gave up 154.
Detroit fell to 3-31 on the season after permitting a franchise-record level complete to the Utah Jazz. Contemporary of the Jazz’s first triple-double in 15 years, Jordan Clarkson had 36 factors, 21 of them within the fourth quarter and time beyond regulation.
The Pistons set an NBA document by shedding their twenty eighth straight sport final week. They’re getting higher, however nonetheless falling quick. Two of their final three losses got here in time beyond regulation. 5 of their final seven defeats had been by eight factors or much less.
As soon as once more, Detroit coach Monty Williams’ rotations had been suspect. Third-year ahead Isaiah Livers performed 36 minutes, the place the Pistons had been outscored by 13 factors. In the meantime, lottery choose Ausar Thompson performed solely 11 minutes, the place he was +6. Final yr’s No. 5 choose, Jaden Ivey, performed solely 22 minutes, partially because of Alec Burks’ 27-point night time, together with a wild shot to ship the sport to OT.
It’s one factor that the Pistons preserve shedding however they’re shedding whereas sitting gamers that needs to be the inspiration of the following successful Pistons workforce. They’re doing it with minimal protection. The workforce had simply 5 steals and three blocks in 53 minutes.
At this level, Ivey and Thompson couldn’t be enjoying worse protection than the remainder of the workforce. The one factor worse than going 3-31 is counting on veterans to get these few wins.
