Detroit Pistons: 3 keys to regrouping after recent skid

3. Responding to adversity

Letting leads and games get away from the Pistons was a trademark of this team last year. Early this season, they’ve managed to hold on or recover the leads in games after losing focus and falling behind.  The team has battled back to overcome deficits five times this season. When a team is playing that close to the edge, sooner or later their luck is bound to wear out.

After a stunning meltdown against the Indiana Pacers, Anthony Tolliver acknowledged it was teaching moment for the team, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press.

"“This is one of the first signs of adversity for us, losing two in a row, losing this one like we did,” forward Anthony Tolliver said. “It’ll be a good test of character to see how we respond next game. “Hopefully next game we can build a lead, but keep it and stay focused and disciplined because that’s what happened tonight. We stopped doing the things that made us successful.”"

The Pistons did rebound in their next game. They defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-97 to close out their three-game road trip 1-2. Unfortunately, the recovery didn’t last long. The Pistons began one of the toughest stretches of the season with a loss at home to the Cavs.

Cleveland scored 116 points to the Pistons’ 88. The beatdown was a sound reminder the Pistons have a long way to go if they want to dethrone the reigning Eastern Conference champs.