Opinion
3 min read

Clash at Footprint Center: Detroit Pistons to Face Phoenix Suns

As the Detroit Pistons gear up to take on the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center, fans are cautiously optimistic about their team's chances. The Pistons have shown a remarkable ability to score in bunches, as evidenced by their recent performance against the Utah Jazz on November 24th, where they put up an impressive 125 points. Despite their 5-15 record, that game showcased what the Pistons are capable of when firing on all cylinders.


SALT LAKE CITY UT- NOVEMBER 23:  Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz blocks a shot by Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half of their game November 23, 2022  at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)

The offensive prowess of the Detroit team was on full display with a field goal percentage of nearly 50 percent and an even more impressive three-point shooting rate of 50 percent. Their free throw accuracy was almost flawless at over 90 percent. This level of efficiency from beyond the arc and at the charity stripe could be pivotal against a strong Suns side.


However, defense remains a concern for Detroit. In that same game against Utah, they allowed 116 points and had a defensive rating over 115 – numbers that will need improvement if they hope to contain Phoenix's dynamic offense. The Pistons' bench depth is one area where they have excelled; contributing a significant portion of their total scoring could be key in keeping fresh legs on the court and maintaining pressure throughout all four quarters.


SALT LAKE CITY UT- NOVEMBER 23: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 and Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons take a rebound away from Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of their game November 23, 2022  at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)

In contrast, while looking back at another recent outing for Detroit against Sacramento Kings on November 20th shows us that despite losing with a high-scoring line (129-137), there is no lack of fight in this team. They managed to keep pace with Sacramento's scoring barrage thanks largely to converting over half their field goals and three-point attempts.


The upcoming contest promises to be challenging as Phoenix boasts solid home-court advantage and will look to exploit any defensive lapses by Detroit. However, if recent performances are anything to go by, fans can expect an energetic effort from the Pistons who seem determined not just to compete but also surprise teams that may underestimate them.


Looking ahead, supporters should mark their calendars for November 26th when these two teams face off at Footprint Center in Phoenix at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (7:00 PM local time). Fans can catch all the action live on BSAZ channel 686 or BSDETX channel 663-1 depending upon your location. It’s set up nicely for what could be one of those games where we witness just how unpredictable basketball can be – especially when you have a team like Detroit who has nothing to lose and everything to prove.

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