Going into Thursday night’s game against the Boston Celtics, the Detroit Pistons have made a notable leap in three-point shooting. In their last two games, they’ve shot a blistering 38-75 from beyond the arc (.506%), elevating their offense to new heights. This marks a dramatic improvement from last season when their struggles from beyond the arc reflected a lack of confidence and consistency.
Much of this turnaround can be attributed to the off-season addition of shooting coach Fred Vinson . Known for transforming the shooting of players like Lonzo Ball , Herb Jones , and Jose Alvarado , Vinson has a proven track record. His impact on the Pistons is already evident. Cade Cunningham (39.3%) and Jaden Ivey (37.8%) are posting career-high percentages, while Malik Beasley continues his three-point efficiency from last season.
With their recent shooting surge, the Pistons’ offense appears ready to take the next step. But can they sustain this level of production? And how might an improved three-point attack reshape their offensive identity moving forward? Let’s explore.
Pistons’ Three-Point Surge: Can They Sustain Their Momentum?
What’s Changed In The Pistons Three-Point Shooting?
It’s challenging to pinpoint exactly what has changed for the Pistons, as early-season trends can often be misleading. Teams projected as contenders sometimes stumble out of the gate, while underdogs surprise with strong starts. For the Pistons, however, one clear factor stands out: the hire of Fred Vinson. His emphasis on shooting mechanics and confidence has already made an impact.
Through 25 games, the Pistons have shot below 30% from three in only five games, going 3-2 in those matchups. Conversely, they hold a 4-3 record in games where they’ve shot 40% or better. Overall, their three-point shooting has been steady, with 13.3 makes per game (15th in the league) on 36.7 attempts (15th) and a 36.3% accuracy rate (16th).
While there’s still room for growth, these numbers highlight the Pistons’ gradual transformation into a more consistent and effective perimeter-shooting team. The challenge now lies in maintaining these gains as the season progresses.
Can The Pistons Sustain This Level Of Three-Point Shooting?
The short answer is yes. If the past two games reflect the Pistons’ true potential from beyond the arc, they can sustain this pace. Leading the charge is Beasley, whose 92 made threes are tied for second in the league alongside Tyler Herro . Beasley has been remarkably consistent, hitting four or more triples in 14 games, including four of the last five.
Tim Hardaway Jr. , before his injury against the Miami Heat on November 12, was a key contributor , shooting an impressive 45% from beyond the arc. However, since his return, his accuracy has plummeted to just 18.2%. Similarly, Tobias Harris (.343) and Simone Fontecchio (.346) have experienced shooting slumps, but all three have the potential to elevate the offense when firing on all cylinders.
Maintaining this level of production will depend on individual performances, Vinson’s continued influence, and the team’s ability to adapt offensively. If the Pistons’ core shooters regain consistency, their three-point barrage could become a defining feature of their offense moving forward.
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons’ recent three-point shooting surge has transformed their offense. Fred Vinson’s influence is already showing results. Malik Beasley and Cade Cunningham have led the improvement. The team as a whole has shown steady progress compared to last season. As the Pistons refine their identity, confidence from three-point range could unlock their potential and lead to wins. The pieces are in place—now it’s up to the Pistons to make it last.
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