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Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from preseason opener vs. Hornets

By Karintha Styles

AUBURN HILLS, MI - OCTOBER 4: Ish Smith #14 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on October 4, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - OCTOBER 4: Ish Smith #14 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on October 4, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images
Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images /

1. Andre Drummond makes his free throws

In the past, Andre Drummond has been a liability for the Detroit Pistons at the free throw line. During the offseason, Drummond focused on improving his numbers from the line. If last night’s preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets is any indication, that hard work is going to pay off.

Drummond went 6-of-8 from the free throw line. Per Rod Beard of the Detroit News, Drummond’s offseason workouts have resulted in a more natural shooting motion.

"“The result is a more fluid motion, without the hitch on the release that he had. He’s squatting a bit more and using his lower body to help propel the shot to the rim. The big test will come in regular-season games and on the road, when he has more distractions.”"

Drummond was the team’s leading scorer with 16 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field.  He also added 15 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in the losing effort against the Hornets.

CBS Sports is reporting Drummond is questionable for the Pistons’ preseason game on Friday due to a case of pink eye.

Overall the team played well. The Pistons started well before racking up excessive turnovers and squandering an 18-point lead. Unlike many of the games they played in last year, the Pistons were still in the game with a chance to win it.

Up next for the Detroit Pistons the Atlanta Hawks. Detroit and the Hawks square off in the second of five preseason games for the Detroit this year.

Next: 10 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

The Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets will face each other again in Little Caesars Arena when the season officially tips off on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017.

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