Detroit Pistons: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener

2. Chippy and defensive — are the Detroit Bad Boys back to stay?

During the offseason, the Pistons told their star center the reins of the team belonged to him. Last night he took control and led his team with focus and defense in a way we don’t always see from Andre Drummond.

Shawn Windsor of the Detroit Free Press talked about Drummond being the Pistons’ centerpiece.

"“Drummond has to be the foundation. That means learning how to sacrifice, to forget about how many shots he shoots and make a difference elsewhere, as he did Wednesday night.”"

Per Windsor, Stan Van Gundy seemed elated with his team’s defensive stance last night. Van Gundy said in the post-game presser,

"“We defended all night.”"

Whenever the Hornets made a run or a Piston missed a few shots, or began to get frustrated, a teammate was there with an arm for a shoulder or a few words to encourage or to refocus. The concentration on one end never ebbed.

Instead of timid Dre, the fans were treated to a force of passion and skill. Clearly, Drummond had no intention of letting the Hornets mar the Pistons’ opening night. Drummond won the battle of the big men in Motown last night, finishing with eight points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.