Detroit — The Pistons opened the season with a 94-88 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, and even in a loss, there were some good takeaways from their performance.
The crowds were back to full capacity at Little Caesars Arena and although the Pistons were without No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham, they had enough fight to keep the game close against the much-improved Bulls.
Here are some observations from the regular-season opener:
D for Defense
The Pistons had questions about their defense and the ability to protect the rim. They erased some of those doubts early in the first half, with an exemplary performance, led by Isaiah Stewart and Jerami Grant.
They showed help from the weak side, as well as just good on-ball defense. Another good example was Frank Jackson defending Zach LaVine, with nothing spectacular, but just staying in front of the ball and making him take tough shots.
“On the defensive end we came ready, I think we held them to 14 points in the first quarter,” Grant said. “Throughout the game, we did a good job on the defensive end. We just have to make a couple more shots, and I think we will be fine.”
Coach Dwane Casey said during the preseason that the defense would be one of their strengths, and they showed in the opener that he was right in that assessment. They looked to be on the same page about their assignments, and there were few instances of breakdowns in their communication.
Still searching
Killian Hayes is still looking for his rhythm on the offensive end. He had shown some signs of improvement in Summer League, but that hasn’t translated to the regular season. Hayes shot 0-for-6 from the field in the first 20 minutes of the game, but he had six rebounds and two assists.
He looks to be trying to find where he fits in as he picks and chooses when to take shots. It’s been a struggle, and he doesn’t look prepared to take the shots when they’re open and available.
He didn’t attempt any 3-pointers in the first six shots, while some of the others, like Grant and Bey, were intricately involved in getting things started.
Full arenas
It’s back to full arenas in the NBA, and the Pistons had one for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. Little Caesars Arena was limited to fewer than 1,000 fans toward the end of last season, and the crowd looked to be at least 80-90 percent of capacity.
It was good to see a full house again, and it was noticeable during pregame introductions, when they gave Cade Cunningham a rousing ovation. There was a bigger one for rookie Luka Garza and another for Josh Jackson when they were introduced.
For starters
With Cade Cunningham out, the Pistons continued to find fill-ins at shooting guard in the starting lineup. Frank Jackson started in Cunningham’s place, and finished with seven points and two rebounds.
The rest of the starting lineup was as projected, with Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey, Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart filling out the first five. Late in the fourth quarter, Olynyk was on the floor to finish out in place of Stewart, but that likely was more for the offensive ability that Olynyk brings, and the Pistons were trailing.
General manager Troy Weaver said Wednesday morning that Cunningham could be on course for a return for the next home game, on Oct. 30 against the Orlando Magic.