The foundations and keys of the Detroit Pistons' great season

Despite skepticism, the Detroit Pistons have become one of the most exciting teams in the NBA this season thanks to their defense. As they prepare for their Thursday night matchup against the Washington Wizards, it's worth recognizing their impressive 12-3 record in the last 15 games, including a hard-fought 123-103 victory on Tuesday night. In a league where offense usually dominates the headlines, they are proving that defense is equally essential to success.

At the start of the season, there was optimism about the Pistons' defense. With the addition of J.B. Bickerstaff and a young, physical core, improvement on that front seemed inevitable. In the last month, Detroit has turned that potential into reality, overwhelming their opponents with relentless defensive pressure.

Although defensive basketball doesn't always grab the spotlight, it resonates deeply with the team and the city. As the 3-1-3 Day approaches, this Pistons squad has embraced Detroit's reputation for toughness and grit, reviving the spirit of the hard-nosed teams that came before them. This alignment with the city's identity has become a unifying force, stirring pride among the team and its fans.

Playing against the Pistons is no easy task. Since February 12, Detroit ranks second in defensive rating (109.7), just behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. Opponents have shot only 44% against them, the second-lowest mark in the league, trailing only the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Pistons' commitment to aggressive defense has been undeniable. In this stretch, they rank fourth in steals (9.8) and third in blocks (6.1) per game. The relentless Ausar Thompson, whose ability to steal the ball has been game-changing, is a key catalyst for their defensive intensity. Averaging 2.2 steals per game, Thompson's knack for disrupting passing lanes, guarding without fouling, and fueling the fast break has had a significant impact.

Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart have been dominant in the paint, combining for 3.4 blocks per game. Stewart, in particular, is emerging as a strong candidate for the All-Defensive Team, averaging 1.4 blocks and limiting opponents' shots to just 45%, second only to Chet Holmgren this season. Fearless in challenging shots, Stewart rarely loses a battle at the rim, anchoring the Pistons' tough defensive identity. His impact has been felt even in his absence from the team.

Recent comments by Shaquille O'Neal about the Pistons sparked reactions from fans and analysts. O'Neal labeled the Pistons as "boring" on his show while citing incorrect data about the team's record. He claimed that Detroit was four games below a 50% win rate, but they were actually six above, a 10-game error that undermined his argument.

Many saw this as a clear example of how national analysts dismiss teams that are not actively followed. Instead of acknowledging the Pistons' defensive dominance and impressive turnaround, O'Neal relied on outdated arguments. His comments highlight the NBA media's trend of overlooking or misrepresenting teams that don't fit popular narratives.

More than just boring, the Pistons are proving to be one of the most captivating teams in the league, showing that defense and toughness still matter in today's NBA. Their success demonstrates that winning is not just about scoring shots and making spectacular dunks but also about having guts, discipline, and making opponents uncomfortable. Whether Shaq acknowledges it or not, Detroit is making waves.

The Detroit Pistons are showing that grit, defense, and determination can still be a winning formula in today's NBA. Their recent resurgence is more than just a streak: it is a testament to a team fully embracing its identity. With players embodying the defensive mindset of J.B. Bickerstaff and young stars like Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, and Isaiah Stewart setting the tone, the Pistons force their opponents to fight for every basket.

By defying expectations, this Pistons roster is reviving the spirit of Detroit basketball, where toughness and defensive resilience define success. Whether this season leads to the playoffs or lays the groundwork for the future, one thing is clear: Detroit is building something special, and they are doing it the Pistons way.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las bases y claves del temporadón de los Detroit Pistons