The Detroit Pistons found their footing after a rocky start to the season with a decisive victory over the Boston Celtics. This game was marked as their home opener, during which the Pistons overcame a slow beginning and managed to secure a comfortable win.
Pistons Overcome Early Struggles
Initially trailing by double digits in the first quarter, the Pistons turned the tides through strong defensive efforts and rebounding. Key players such as Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson made significant contributions, showcasing their skills on both ends of the court.
Duncan Robinson’s Ongoing Struggles
Despite the team’s success, Duncan Robinson’s performance remains a cause for concern. Acquired during the offseason to fill the roles left by Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr., Robinson has yet to meet expectations. His defensive performance, particularly against Payton Pritchard, was disappointing, as he struggled to contain offensive plays.
The Pistons attempted to mitigate his defensive matchups by rotating him out against various Celtics players. However, Boston’s players continued to target Robinson, exposing his vulnerabilities on the court. His inability to hold his ground against a mid-tier offensive team raises questions regarding his effectiveness against higher-caliber opponents.
Shooting Inefficiency Impacts Performance
- Duncan Robinson’s shooting statistics have been lackluster, finishing the game with 2 of 7 from three-point range.
- His season average currently stands at 30%, attempting 6.6 three-pointers per game.
- Robinson posted the only negative plus/minus on the team, with the Pistons being outscored by six points during his 30 minutes on the court.
In contrast, the Pistons outperformed when Robinson was on the bench, winning by 12 points. For Robinson to justify his minutes, he needs to enhance his shooting to approximately 40% from beyond the arc at a higher volume. Comparatively, Beasley recorded 41.6% accuracy on 9.3 attempts per game last season with lower minutes.
The Pistons management likely looks for Robinson to improve his offensive contributions to maintain his starting role. As the season progresses, focusing on his shooting efficiency will be crucial for the Pistons’ continued success.
