Background.
On December 31, the NBA regular season continued to be played Beijing time. Previously, the Pistons were experiencing the worst 28-game losing streak in team history, and the team's morale fell to a low point. However, on this day, they finally had their hope, and they faced the Toronto Raptors at home, and finally won 129-127 to complete the historic comeback. This is not only the end of the Pistons' 28-round tour, but also a shock for the entire league.
The Pistons have been on a downward trajectory so far this season. After losing to the Wizards, the team struggled to get up, and the relay of new and old coaches didn't help. The pre-game trade sent away the season's top center and ruined the defense. Although the new signing Owen has performed, it is still difficult to support the overall situation. By mid-December, the Pistons were at the foot of the East and finished last of 15 teams. This was followed by the darkest 28-game losing streak, setting a new record for the longest losing streak in a single season. Every time we lose, there are home fans shouting (sell the team), and there is a lot of gloom inside and outside the coaching circle.
This time against the Raptors, the Pistons were extra careful from before the game. The head coach led the team to a 30-point victory over the Nuggets in the first game of his tenure, showing signs of a turnaround. Although the Raptors have many disadvantages in this campaign, two away games in three days, the question mark of the remaining soldiers after the big change is even greater. However, the Pistons chose to go all out and had a slight advantage in the opening game.
100 Helping Programs As for the Raptors, the leading position in the East this season is not solid. With the injury of the general, the Raptors have changed their coach and tried to distribute more benches. Completed a massive triangle deal with the Nuggets in midseason, sending Maxey away in exchange for 2019 Finals MVP Leonard. This round was airborne to rookie Barrett, obviously aiming for the championship. However, after the big change, the overall rhythm of the team is still groping, and the recent results have fluctuated greatly. The game against the Pistons was the easier of several away BTB games, and the Raptors will naturally go all out.
Comparison of the data of the two teams.
The comparison of the data in this game can clearly see the difference in the scoring contribution of the two teams. The Pistons had six players score in double figures, showing the color of collective play. The Raptors have the Big Four to consume most of their points, and the other roles are limited.
Specifically, the Pistons' top scorer was Chartre, the most well-rounded player, with 30 points and 12 assists. He is also the first Pistons player to reach a 30+12 turn-free game record since center Billups in 2004. In addition, center Duren contributed a double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds, and rookie Ebidon also scored 19 points. On the bench, veteran Caria had a stunning performance, scoring 18 points. Claxton scored 11 points and became a trusted anchor for coaches due to his excellent defense.
The Raptors scored more centrally, with the frontcourt trident leading the battle. MVP-level guard Vaniflitt shot 35 points and was the top scorer of the game. New star Victor had 30 points and 9 assists. Not to be outdone, substitute Barnes hit a three-pointer to show his future potential. Overall, the four combined to score 111 points, accounting for 87% of the team's total points. Once this style of play is not good in the collective, the consequences will be unimaginable.
Overall, the Pistons won collectively and scored in double digits with six players. The Raptors relied on a prolific one-man output of three outside and one inside, but their role players did not perform well. This is a reflection of the difference in the ability of the two teams to adapt to injuries and post-trades. The Pistons coach is well organized and allows everyone to do their job wellOnce the Raptors are concentrated, it will be difficult to win once the team is not in shape.
Characteristics of the two teams' playing style.
Judging from the specific style of play in this game, the Pistons and Raptors have their own focus. The former focuses on teamwork, and different roles at different times exert force;The latter relies on the individual ability of the star to win through high production.
The Pistons emphasized rotation input in this game. Led by rookies and veterans in the first half, Ebidon scored a career-high 19 pointsIn the second half, Chartre was the sole leader, scoring only 4 points in the first three quarters and scoring 26 points in the second quarter. This style of play not only allowed people to step up at different times, but also lightened the burden on Chartre and allowed him to perform at his best in key moments. In the final transition between attack and defense, Chartre scored a decisive three-pointer to bring victory to his team.
In addition to rotating scoring, the Pistons also emphasized that the defense was airtight. The head coach kept the team on the opposite side and limited the quick-game Raptors to the halftime score. At the beginning of the second half, the Raptors were caught off guard by a 14-0 offensive attack. Such a defence makes it difficult for opponents to score easily, and it also boosts their own confidence.
In contrast, the Raptors are a game of the Big Four. No matter how his teammates feel, MVP Victor always chooses to go it alone. In the face of a stalker-based defense, he was still able to hit back-to-back long-range three-pointers. Barnes, who is also a rookie, also showed a fearless spirit, shooting three-pointers frequently. The veteran Vaniflitt is even more in the grip, hitting the key offensive end again and again. Although such a strong individual output had the upper hand, it did not survive in the end.
The end of the game. Since the start of the season, the Pistons have not given up on the pursuit of victory. In the first quarter, in the face of the Raptors' encirclement and interception, the team was not pulled apart. With Claxton and Duren's penalty area grabbing, coupled with Ebiden's outside shooting, the Pistons always kept the score under control. At the end of the first half, both teams were still in a state of chasing each other.
After the start of the second half, the Pistons experienced an outburst. Relying on the backup veteran Caria to hit three points in a row, the score was stretched to a double-digit lead in one fell swoop. Immediately afterwards, Chartre also joined the game, taking the lead in stealing blocks on the inside, and playing a wave of 10-0 offensive. This made the whole home court boil, and the Pistons players were full of confidence. Although the Raptors then launched a fierce counterattack and relied on the high production of MVP-level players to keep the score close, the Pistons' defense and individual ability were once again demonstrated at critical moments. Duren blocked a whistle dunk from Vaniflit, and Chartre hit the killer in time to end an embarrassing 28-game losing streak.
It wasn't an easy victory, and the Pistons put in a lot of effort from the entire team. But from another point of view, it is a reflection of the strength of the whole team. They have proven that they are not the bottom team in the league and have the quality to beat tough opponents in the last minute. After a miserable 28-game losing streak, the Pistons finally ushered in new hope. This victory will also be a turning point in the team's history.
The focus of this session. Looking back at the whole game, it is not difficult to see that Chartre's performance was the biggest highlight of the game. The top pick didn't start off well, scoring just four points in the first half. However, in the second half, the Raptors repeatedly fought back and needed a playmaking core to stabilize the score. It was at this point that Chartre stepped up and scored 26 points in the final quarter.
In the face of the Raptors' stubbornly defended defense, Chartre was always calm. He constantly passes the ball to his teammates who are moving and running, allowing the center of gravity of the defense to shift significantly. After his teammates blocked the key dunk, Chartre made a decisive move and hit the whistle to kill the three-pointer. Such a back-to-back mentality and stable performance are impressive.
In addition to shining on the offensive end, Chartre also did not lose on the defensive end. When the Raptors continued to attack to close the difference, it was Chartre who made a steal to bring out a fast break and hit a key shot. He transitions quickly between the front and backcourt, can both organize the attack and return to the defense in time, and is the appearance of a standard all-round star. This triple-double of 30 points and 12 assists also set a new record in team history, which shows Chartre's core position in the team.
Overall, at just 20 years old, Chartre has become the new benchmark for the Pistons. He was selected in this year's draft as the overall pick and has shown incredible talent since his rookie season. When the team faced a low ebb, Chartre stepped up and took on the responsibility of winning the championship. The struggle at this critical moment also gives people hope that the Pistons are about to turn over in the future.
End. This victory against the Raptors is of great significance to the Pistons. The 28-game losing streak dragged on, and the players and fans alike unleashed long-standing frustration in this victory.
After the game, the home fans stood up and gave the players heroic cheers. They waited too long for such a moment for the team to finally prove that they were not the underdogs of the league. All the days and nights of enduring humiliation are repaid at this moment. The players also hugged the fans, and the atmosphere of reconciliation was warm and touching.
The biggest significance of this game is to prove that the future of the Pistons is still bright. Top potential rookies like Chartre are coming to the fore, other young players are growing, and the team is building strength. It may not be possible to dominate right away anytime soon, but the Pistons have at least proven to the league that they won't fall easily.
For some time to come, reconstruction will remain the main keynote. But the players, the coaches, the fans, the management will all revolve around the same goal. They will let the hard work on the stage be rewarded with cheers from the sidelines;They will let every goal, every defensive moment ignite the enthusiasm of the home. One day, in the near future, the Pistons will come to the championship stage again to win the final glory!