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Detroit Pistons: Keys to Sustaining Stunning Turnaround

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 26, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) high fives Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter agains the Indiana Pacers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) high fives Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter agains the Indiana Pacers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) shoots for three during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Detroit Pistons won 97-81. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) shoots for three during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Detroit Pistons won 97-81. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Embracing the 3-Point Shot

The Orlando Magic ranked No. 1 in 3-point field goals made per game in all five of Stan Van Gundy’s seasons as head coach. This played a major role in the Magic reaching the NBA Finals in 2009 and the Eastern Conference Finals in 2010.

Since Josh Smith’s departure, the value of the 3-point shot has increased exponentially in Detroit.

The Detroit Pistons are averaging 13.2 3-point field goals made per game since Smith was waived. They’ve made at least 10 shots from beyond the arc in every one of those outings.

That includes a franchise-record 17 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron James and Kevin Love both played in excess of 30 minutes in that game.

Van Gundy, the head coach and president of basketball operations, made a concerted effort to improve Detroit’s 3-point shooting from a season ago. After ranking No. 26 in 3-point field goals made and No. 29 in 3-point field goal percentage in 2013-14, that was a necessary target.

Acquisitions such as Caron Butler, Jodie Meeks and Anthony Tolliver have all helped Detroit space the floor.

If the Pistons remain committed to the 3-ball, they will continue to win games.

Next: A Lethal Combination

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