NBA: The Blake Griffin effect?
The Detroit Pistons have won four games in a row, following a disturbing losing skid. The difference? The acquisition of five-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin. Just over a week ago, the Pistons sent starters Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, and more, to the Los Angeles Clippers for Griffin, Willie Reed, and Brice Johnson. Since the trade was accepted, the Pistons haven’t lost. Detroit has defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, and Portland Trailblazers. Those four teams are a combined 105-102 on the year. Why has Griffin helped the team improve so much while only seeing the court three times in a No. 23 jersey?
Well, one could say that it’s just a couple of home victories - which isn’t much to talk about in it and of itself. But what if it’s more than just four wins? It seems, at least to me, that the Pistons have suddenly become more efficient on the offensive end and tougher on defense. In the five games prior to the trade, all losses, Detroit was averaging an assist on 63.4 percent of their made field goals. Also in those games, they were averaging a mediocre 103.8 points per game, while giving up 112.6 points on the other end. But a lot can change in a week, and it's reigned supreme since the trade was accepted.
Since the game against the Cavaliers, the Pistons have averaged 112.8 points per game and are allowing just 103.5 points, including only 91 points against the Trailblazers (who average 104.5 per game). Not only has their offense scored more, but the way the Pistons are putting the ball in the basket is impressive. In the last two games, against Miami and Portland, they are assisting on 67.1 percent of their made field goals. And in their most recent game, the Pistons assisted on 81.8 percent of their makes (and I was there, it was no fluke). That is 11.9 percent more than the league leader, the Golden State Warriors. Not a bad place to be.
Taking it a step further, Griffin’s frontcourt mate, Andre Drummond has ramped up his play too. In the last four games, he has four double-doubles and two 20-20 games (and a 17-17 game). Drummond is averaging 18.8 points and 18.5 rebounds since the deal. Griffin’s putting up 20.3 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, which aren't too shabby either. Getting rid of Bradley and Harris has also opened up room for Stanley Johnson to get more minutes. He dropped 26 points and 10 rebounds against the Cavs. The Blake Griffin effect? Detroit is still one game out of the playoffs, but it's clear that Griffin's addition has helped improve this team as a whole.
Photo Credit: Deadspin.
