Stifling Defense Keeps Pistons on Top of Eastern Conference
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The Detroit Pistons continue to pace the East with a 31-10 record, and their ability to shut down opponents is the chief reason the run shows no sign of fading.
According to reporting by ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill, Detroit is surrendering just 99.5 points per 100 possessions this month—eight points fewer than the next-best team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The clamp tightens even more in the final period, where opponents manage only 91.8 points per 100 possessions.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has thrust himself into the Coach of the Year conversation by leaning on a lineup that blends size, effort and discipline on the defensive end. That collective commitment has allowed the Pistons to overcome offensive dry spells, close out tight games and silence predictions that a lack of elite shot creation would eventually derail the club.
Detroit’s defensive consistency has traveled well, given the team an edge in late-game situations and, so far, kept it at the top of the conference standings.
Source: Hoops Wire
