The Detroit Pistons’ blowout home win over the Washington Wizards on Thursday was more than just another victory. It was an opportunity to feel good, to learn of the spoils that come with being the victor.
Or as coach Dwane Casey said, it’s a way for the rebuilding Pistons to “build winning habits.”
No one experienced that quite like former lottery pick Josh Jackson, who scored a season-high 31 points. That followed a recent cold streak in which Jackson just seemed out of sorts.
On this night, Jackson got the start and buried seven 3-pointers.
“That’s just part of our jobs, being in the NBA,” Jackson told reporters of not knowing how much he’ll play from one night to the next. “It’s definitely something that I struggled with when I was in my first few years, just always being ready and not really knowing what to expect.
“You just never get too high or never get too low after games like these or bad ones that you play. You just think about what you can do better in the next one.”
At 14-34, the Pistons have the worst record in the Eastern Conference. But win’s like the one Thursday show that they may be on the right path.
More from the Central
- Interestingly, when I listed Jackson as being among the offseason free agents in which the Cleveland Cavaliers might have an interest, the Cavs quickly responded by denying it. Too bad. He’d fit well there.
- With several new faces, including All-Star center Nikola Vucevic, it’s pretty evident the Chicago Bulls are in win-now mode. But it’s also pretty clear they must improve defensively if they’re serious about making a playoff push, writes Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago.
- The Cavaliers continue to spin their wheels … and lose. But maybe they’re just fine with that, I wrote in my latest Dribbles.
- After another home loss, the Indiana Pacers are seeking answers on how to get things corrected. On the bright side, they are still very much alive in the playoff race. Read more on FortyEightMinutes right here.
