If there was one glaring concern for the Detroit Pistons heading into the playoffs, it was their lack of a consistent second scoring option. Throughout the regular season, that role has been shared by committee, and in their 3-1 series deficit against the New York Knicks, the same uncertainty lingers.
The Pistons have relied on their grit and disciplined offensive and defensive philosophies to stay competitive. But the difference between the two teams is stark when it’s winning time. The Knicks have two clear closers: Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns . In Game 4, they combined for 23 of New York’s 30 fourth-quarter points, powering a narrow one-point victory. The Pistons need someone to step into that second-option role if they hope to get back in this series. The question is: who will it be?
Pistons Must Find Reliable Second Option to Rescue Playoff Hopes
Tobias Harris Must Embrace Aggression as Pistons’ Second Option
One player who could fill the void is Tobias Harris , who has shown flashes of being a reliable second option. Harris has been steady, shooting 45% from the field and 40% from three, averaging 15.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in the series.
The issue isn’t his efficiency — it’s his aggressiveness, particularly in the second half. In Sunday’s loss, Harris logged 15 second-half minutes but took just three shots. Across the four games, he’s averaging only 3.7 shot attempts after halftime. Given his shooting touch, the Pistons need Harris to hunt his shot more and assert himself when the game tightens.
Dennis Schröder
Dennis Schröder , acquired at the trade deadline, has been a perfect fit for the Pistons. His veteran presence has been crucial in the playoffs, providing a steady hand whenever the team has faced adversity. Schröder has been efficient in the series, shooting 54% from the field and 61% from three.
However, his passivity in Game 4 stood out. Despite averaging nine shot attempts over the first three games, Schröder took just four shots in 26 minutes during Sunday’s loss. With his efficiency, the Pistons could benefit from a more aggressive Schröder, especially when the offense stalls late in games.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Last season, Tim Hardaway Jr. lost his spot in the Dallas Mavericks’ playoff rotation during their run to the NBA Finals. He’s attacking the postseason this year with something to prove, but his results have been inconsistent.
Hardaway has been the one starter outside of Cade Cunningham unafraid to let it fly, averaging 12.5 shots per game. But his efficiency hasn’t always followed: he’s shooting just 38% from the field and 35.9% from three. Still, the ability is there, as shown by his 24-point outburst in Game 3. For the Pistons to stay alive, Hardaway must keep firing — and more importantly, find ways to stay hot.
The Last Word
At this point in the series, hesitation is a luxury the Pistons can’t afford. If the Pistons are going to climb back, it won’t be by playing timid or passing up opportunities. It will take players stepping boldly into the spotlight, embracing the pressure, and trusting their work.
Harris, Schröder, and Hardaway Jr. have shown flashes. Now, they need to stay aggressive and leave no doubt. If the Pistons are going down, they need someone to step into the second option and go down firing without wondering what could have been. In the playoffs, fortune favors the fearless.
Photo credit: © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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