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Detroit Pistons: 5 Keys To Beating Cavs On Home Court

By Aaron Ferguson

Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (right) talks to center Andre Drummond (0) after the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (right) talks to center Andre Drummond (0) after the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) reacts following the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) reacts following the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Stanley For Tobias

Stanley Johnson has been impressive in his first two career playoff games. Tobias Harris has been far from impressive in his first two career playoff games. Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy needs to think about making a lineup change.

Johnson, 19, only started six of the 73 games he played in during the regular season. He played 23.1 minutes per game during the regular season and is averaging 19.0 minutes per game through the first two playoff games. Even if Johnson stays within the 19- to 23-minute range in a starting role, he will provide a better defensive matchup on James than Harris does on James or Love.

Harris scored 16.6 points per game during the regular season in 27 games with the Pistons. In his first two playoff games, he’s scoring 11.0 points per game and is shooting 31.8 percent from the field. Harris isn’t playing well on offense, and his defense hasn’t been great either. A move to the bench could stimulate his offensive game since he would need to be the go-to scorer.

Johnson has growing confidence and fearlessness, and it’s showing when he has played on the court. Mid-way through the second quarter, James bumped into Johnson after a timeout, which could be a sign of frustration on James’ end and respect to Johnson’s defensive performance.

The Pistons need to make some changes, whether it’s their lineup or their bench, or both. Starting Johnson would allow for Marcus Morris to be on Love and Johnson on James, which is a matchup that fairs well for the Pistons.

Next: 4. Switch On The Bench

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