Pistons at Heat final score: Pistons fall flat late again, drop to 0-4

The fourth quarter woes continue for Detroit as they move to 0-4 on the season.

The Detroit Pistons took a visit to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat as they work through the league’s hardest schedule through the first three games. It’s strange how this team can look like a real NBA team and other times they look like the high school JV team I used to coach. They were too inconsistent tonight as they couldn’t close in the fourth quarter once again.

It was The Cade Show in the first half – he had 18 points on only six shots and made all of them, including four threes. Some of those threes were off-the-dribble in the pick-and-roll and if he can consistently make that shot, I’m not sure how you can guard this guy. It felt like he could get any shot he wanted and he was confident with every attempt. Let’s not forget about his two beautiful assists to Duren, too:

Cade’s teammates were 13-for-38 (34%) from the field and 3-for-13 (23%) from three. He wasn’t getting a lot of help from his supporting cast and the bench offense struggled when Cade wasn’t on the floor due to foul trouble. After giving up a 36-point second quarter to the Heat, the Pistons found themselves down 64-53. The Heat didn’t have much trouble scoring as they shot 54% from the field and 41% from three heading into the third quarter.

The fight in this team was there, however. The supporting cast decided to get involved immediately as the second half started as the Pistons went on a 16-5 run to take the lead 70-69. Majority of those points came from Tim Hardaway Jr – after too many forced mid-range shots in the first half, THJ scored 13 in the third and made all five of his shots, including three three-pointers. The foul troubles continued for Cade as he picked up his fourth with five minutes left in the third. Despite the bench struggling offensively at times as the role of the backup point guard stays unfilled, the Pistons took a 79-78 lead heading into the fourth with Cade on the bench.

And then, the fourth quarter hit – the Heat went on a quick 12-0 run as both Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey had careless turnovers. Simone Fontecchio, Tobias Harris, and Tim Hardaway Jr all had questionable shot attempts from three as the Pistons attempted to make the game competitive again – but, that never happened. The Pistons finished with less assists (14) than turnovers (17) and only shot 39% from the field. Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Malik Beasley, and Simone Fontecchio shot a combined 13-for-48 (27%).

Is it too early to begin criticizing JB Bickerstaff for how he’s using Isaiah Stewart offensively? Stew finished 0-for-3 from the floor where his attempts all came around the rim – he also had three turnovers. He traveled after receiving a pass on a roll, he turned it over to Jimmy Butler as he put the ball on the floor in the post, and he’s continuing to be hesitant – but can I really blame him? Is this the way JB wants to use Stew? Isaiah has only attempted one three so far this season after shooting 38% from three last year. Sure, he had 15 rebounds – I don’t think anyone questions his hustle. But how effective can Beef Stew really be in this role? He’s currently averaging less minutes than his rookie year.

The 0-4 Detroit Pistons will continue to look for their first win of the season as they’ll travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers and their new addition Paul George on Wednesday night.