Pistons Hit Midseason Mark Atop East Behind Elite Defense and Interior Scoring
pistons-midseason-defense-interior-scoring
The Detroit Pistons will arrive at the season’s midpoint on Monday holding first place in the Eastern Conference, a position built on three statistical pillars: defense, points in the paint, and overall efficiency. According to a Detroit Free Press report by Omari Sankofa II, Detroit ranks second league-wide in each category.
The hot start is historic for the franchise. Detroit has recorded at least 30 wins in its first 40 games for only the second time, matching the 2005-06 team, and is tracking toward a 60-plus-win campaign.
Holland Questionable for Showdown With Celtics
Rookie reserve Ron Holland is listed as questionable for Monday’s matchup against Boston because of an illness, The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson reported on X. The Pistons and Celtics currently occupy the conference’s top two spots. Holland, the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, is averaging 8.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals in 21.1 minutes per game.
Midterm Report Cards Favor Core Contributors
Sankofa’s midseason grades lean heavily positive. Forward Isaiah Stewart and guard Daniss Jenkins earned straight A’s, center Jalen Duren received an A-minus, and guard Cade Cunningham landed a B-plus, dinged primarily for sub-par three-point shooting. No player on the roster was graded lower than a B-minus.
‘Dawg Pound’ Mentality for Frontcourt Duo
Inside Detroit’s locker room, “Dawg Pound” is now painted above the stalls of Stewart and Duren. The Athletic’s Fred Katz spoke with the pair about the mindset the phrase represents, both on and off the floor.
Source: Hoops Rumors
