Game 52: Pistons @ Clippers 2/10/2024

[vege]

We're playing like we were playing early in the season, with a lot of intensity, especially on defense. Even Cade who has been laughable on defense have played insane defense this game.

This team's issue is probably mental, and the roster changes probably gave them some new hope and energy.

That's a big red flag imo, but I will enjoy the team try harding while it last. I hope they don't turn back to that pathetic team with no efford as soon as we go through some adversities.

[zeebneeb]

So is this game giving people hope? Sure is for me. Young guys, and new additions were fantastic.

Win or lose, a switch has been flipped. The young guys are growing FAST.

[MotownMadness]

Not having Killian Hayes out there is a big addition as well. Ever since Ivey has been given the freedom to play his game we've been more competitive.

[MortSahlfan]

If we keep attacking the paint, rebound (work hard), we'll keep on winning.

[440BB]

It looks like we finally can see Cade and Ivey when they have a decent shooting supporting cast. Unleashing Sasser is a pleasure to watch - no worries about a bad guard substitution!

[whitehops]

great half, i feel better about us keeping the lead with the defense we're playing. clippers can have an explosive offense though so limiting turnovers and keeping them a jump shooting team in the half court is going to be huge.

[MortSahlfan]

I just wish Ausar would go to the hoop instead of the step-back 3.. His hard aggressive dribble mid-range shot (high jump to get space and time) is automatic. He does a lot of stuff out there, and I think it's been planted in his head he must shoot 3's, because he hesitates, probably in fear of Monty taking him out. He played with a lot more confidence on offense in 2023.

[winforlose]

I cannot see this one, how is TBJ doing? I saw he hit 2 3s, how is his defense?

[BDM22]

We're playing like we were playing early in the season, with a lot of intensity, especially on defense. Even Cade who has been laughable on defense have played insane defense this game.

This team's issue is probably mental, and the roster changes probably gave them some new hope and energy.

That's a big red flag imo, but I will enjoy the team try harding while it last. I hope they don't turn back to that pathetic team with no efford as soon as we go through some adversities.

Defense is contagious. Always has been. When the opponent is scoring on everyone, it tends to dip everyone's intensity another notch.

[BDM22]

LA's defensive intensity has gone up.

[GreekAlex]

Get over y'all "3 point or die" obsession with Ausar. He has one of the greatest impacts on a game on this team already.

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I didn’t mean to come across as if Ausar didn’t have value if he wasn’t hitting the three.

It’s just a concern because he needs to be surrounded by shooters at all times to make that weakness less pronounced.

Hopefully he regains his confidence. His 3 ball looked way better in summer league.

[GreekAlex]

I cannot see this one, how is TBJ doing? I saw he hit 2 3s, how is his defense?

So far so good in limited minutes

[winforlose]

I cannot see this one, how is TBJ doing? I saw he hit 2 3s, how is his defense?

So far so good in limited minutes

. You can tell I am fan of his and want him to do well.

[vege]

I am impressed with Cade's defense. I wish he would play like that on defense every game.

[BDM22]

I am impressed with Cade's defense. I wish he would play like that on defense every game.

I think it helps A LOT that he's not a 1-man show anymore. Giving some of that playmaking/scoring load to Ivey. We've seen that Cade struggles with energy throughout games. He's only got 8 shots in this game. At some points of the year that would be 15-20 already.

[GreekAlex]

If the early reviews are any indication, as long as Weaver doesn’t overpay Fontecchio, I’m glad to give away the early second for a solid rotation piece.

[MotownMadness]

If the early reviews are any indication, as long as Weaver doesn’t overpay Fontecchio, I’m glad to give away the early second for a solid rotation piece.

Yeah we need proven players at this point.

[DetroitSho]

Get over y'all "3 point or die" obsession with Ausar. He has one of the greatest impacts on a game on this team already.

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I didn’t mean to come across as if Ausar didn’t have value if he wasn’t hitting the three.

It’s just a concern because he needs to be surrounded by shooters at all times to make that weakness less pronounced.

Hopefully he regains his confidence. His 3 ball looked way better in summer league.

Not you man, and not just this game thread, just in general. Him never becoming a good 3 point shooter wouldn't prevent him from becoming a really good offensive player. Westbrook has been a terrible 3 point shooter his whole career but was at times devastating on offense.

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[JLiv]

Ivey or Cade gotta go back in there at a time like this.

[GreekAlex]

What a great way to end the quarter!

No one would have faulted Fontecchio for shooting but he made the extra pass, and credit Milton for hustling.