USA TODAY Sports
Previous Entries
First 8: 2011-12 (2-6) vs. 2012-13 (0-8)
Second 8: 2011-12 (1-7) vs. 2012-13 (5-3)
Third 8: 2011-12 (1-7) vs. 2012-13 (2-6)
Fourth 8: 2011-12 (6-2) vs. 2012-13 (3-5)
Scheduling
| 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |
|---|---|---|
| East Opponents | 6 | 6 |
| West Opponents | 2 | 2 |
| Playoff Teams | 5 | 4 |
| Number of days | 20 | 23 |
| Back-to-Backs | 2 | 1 |
| Number of Time Zones Played | 2 | 2 |
| Number of Home Games | 5 | 7 |
Offense
| 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Points | 90.375 | 95.625 |
| Opponents Points | 93.250 | 93.750 |
| Assist Per Game | 17.25 | 20.75 |
| Point Differential | -2.875 | 1.875 |
| Possessions Per Game | 89.679 | 90.825 |
| Turnovers | 14.250 | 16.500 |
| TS% | 48.1% | 53.5% |
| Offensive Rebounding | 14.375 | 13.000 |
| 3P% | 27.1% | 35.3% |
Honestly, I think two of those reds could potentially should be green, or at least not colored (neutral). Opponents PPG is off by only .500. But where I really think it should be green is Offensive rebounding. When your TS% is up over 5 points and you 3P% is up over 8 points, you're going to have fewer offensive rebounds.
Defense
| 2011-12 | 2012-13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Rebounding | 28.625 | 32.000 |
| Blocks Per Game | 5.000 | 7.250 |
| Steals Per Game | 6.250 | 7.250 |
| Opponent Offensive Rebounds | 10.500 | 11.750 |
| Opponent FG% | 45.8% | 43.4% |
| Opponent 3P% | 37.4% | 32.5% |
Defensively, we look much more improved over last year. However, I do fear that we're letting teams get too many offensive rebounds like we were in the beginning of the year. Mind you, we're currently 9th in the league in rebounding...go figure.
Summary
At this juncture last year, the Pistons were 14-26. This year, 15-25. So the big question is, does the Pistons record reflect the talent of the Pistons? I've heard some suggest that as well as the Pistons have been playing, their record could be better if Frank (whom I'm now calling HHIC - Head Hobbit In Charge) worked the rotations better. What do you think? I definitely think this team is playing much better than last year's team overall. With Rondo going down, Boston already struggling, and us only 4.5 games out of the 8th seed (and Philly's been very inconsistent), the Pistons have a shot at the playoffs, as I've already tried to explain. Still think even if they got in they'd likely get swept by the Heat, but it is encouraging that the Pistons are playing basketball that is more fun to watch and follow.
Preview
In our next 8 games, we have:
- 4 home games, 4 road games
- 1 Western Conference, 7 Eastern Conference
- 6 teams from last year's playoffs
- 4 games against .500+ teams
- 2 games against Orlando, 1 game against Cleveland
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