:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52080063/usa_today_9714523.0.jpeg)
Sometimes, it’s all about the numbers.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7563935/shotchart_pistons.png)
That’s the Pistons’ shot chart for the night. Detroit shot 55% from the field (9-for-20 from behind the arc), but it was the damage they inflicted in the mid-range game that hurt the Celtics. Usually, Boston would be happy to give up contested 20-footers, but not tonight. Ish Smith was fantastic pushing the pace, curling around picks, and finished with 19 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds. Every other Pistons starter scored at least 20. Isaiah Thomas scored 27 and Kelly Olynyk chipped in with 19 in a losing effort. It’s hard to be critical about games like this. When your defense is forcing the opposing team into shots that you want them to take and they’re making them, you tip your hat and move on. The Kings are in town on Friday.