Key Highlights
- The Pistons struggled against the Bucks’ 2-3 zone defense due to a lack of perimeter shooting.
- Cade and LeVert showed potential with good possessions, but the team needs better overall execution in late-game situations.
- Ausar Thompson’s role was underutilized as his jumper was not respected by Milwaukee defenders.
- Ron Holland missed open shots that could have benefited from a running start before receiving passes.
Zone Defense Struggles: Pistons vs. Bucks
Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks exposed Detroit’s biggest weakness in their latest matchup – their lack of perimeter shooting. To effectively counter a 2-3 zone defense, teams must force constant movement from defenders and exploit open shooters or cutters.
Firing on All Cylinders
Quick ball movement is crucial for attacking the zone. In one possession late in the third quarter, the Pistons displayed this effectively when Daniss Jenkins found an open jumper at the free throw line after quick side-to-side movements at the top of the key. This created more space for defenders and allowed Jenkins to score.
Another good example was a drive-and-kick play by Ausar that ended with C.J.
LeVert hitting a three-pointer. The high-post presence disrupted the Bucks’ defense, giving the Pistons multiple scoring options from beyond the arc.
Transmission Trouble
The Pistons’ struggles became evident in other possessions where they failed to capitalize on open shots. For instance, Ron Holland’s layup attempt was weak and left a wide-open corner at the expense of an easy three-pointer for Cade. This suggests a need for better offensive awareness from the team.
Another issue highlighted was how Milwaukee defended Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson.
Jericho Sims’ double-team on Duren neglected Thompson, leaving him open on the wing. The Pistons should have exploited this by finding Thompson earlier in plays to create more scoring opportunities.
Mechanic’s Note
Despite these struggles, Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson showcased ways they can still make a positive impact offensively. Both players used running starts before receiving passes, which helped them catch defenders out of position. For example, Ron Holland set up for a three-pointer but took a contested layup instead, missing an opportunity to get open.
Ausar Thompson started running before catching the ball from AJ Green, creating space and allowing Ivey to find him with a wide-open three. These strategies can help the Pistons even when they’re not yet threats from deep range.
Conclusion
The Pistons’ game against the Bucks illustrated both their strengths and weaknesses in dealing with a 2-3 zone defense. While quick ball movement and perimeter shooting are key, the team needs to improve its overall execution, especially late in possessions. By analyzing these plays, Coach Rivers can make adjustments to better exploit opportunities and minimize mistakes.
