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The Detroit Pistons' experienced shooters provide reliability at the start of the year

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The veterans almost saved the day for the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Trailing by 13 early in the fourth quarter, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. delivered a series of shots and combined for 15 points during a 21-7 run by the Pistons that gave them the lead at 88 with just over five minutes left :87 scored in the game.

Beasley knocked down three 3-pointers and Hardaway Jr. added a 3-pointer and a 3-point play. After scoring eight points on 3-for-10 in the first half, the sharpshooting duo stepped up as the Houston Rockets threatened to put the game away.

The Pistons ultimately fell 101-99. But the sequence was a reminder of why the front office prioritized the two heading into the offseason. They are established shooters and have received strong support through the first three weeks of the season.

“Tim made a shot, Malik made a shot, we got some things rolling for us, we got momentum, we got stops on the other end and were able to capitalize on that in the game,” Tobias Harris said at Little Caesars Arena after the defeat. “Those are the types of tracks we need more of. It happened just by us moving the basketball, defending it and getting out. We must continue to excel at this.”

Hardaway has been a hit so far, averaging 12.6 points on 47% shooting from three. He has started all 11 games and is fourth on the team overall this season, behind Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Harris.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE GAME: Tobias Harris blocks the equalizing free throw as the Pistons suffer a clear 101:99 defeat against the Rockets

Beasley wasn't as hot, knocking down 34.5% of his 3-point shots. However, he has performed great in wins, scoring 22 points in a win over the Atlanta Hawks and 18 in a win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.

Since he's a career 38.3% outside shooter, the Pistons aren't concerned about his percentage being below normal. As he showed again on Sunday, he can make 3-point attempts at the drop of a hat.

“(They are) guys who know who they are and who they trust,” JB Bickerstaff said. “They made shots in big moments, in playoff games and things like that. On a Sunday afternoon in Detroit, these guys were under no pressure to make these shots. They got into place, got into the rhythm and knocked her down.

“We just continue to show belief and give the guys confidence. We have people who have performed well throughout their careers, so there's no need to stress about it. We know they will find it. It’s a long season and they’ll find their averages.”

After Sunday's loss, the Pistons ranked 21st leaguewide in 3-point percentage (33.9%) and attempts per game (34.9). There is room for improvement in both areas and there may be a positive decline.

Two of their best shooters were in crisis. Harris, a career 36.7% shooter from outside, is shooting 25%. Simone Fontecchio, a career 37.1% outside shooter who knocked down 42.6% of his attempts in 16 games with the Pistons last season, is shooting 30.3%.

The coaching staff has emphasized making good 3-point attempts rather than hitting a quota. Bickerstaff said he was pleased with the quality of shots the team has made so far. You just have to knock down more of them.

“I think there are a lot of opportunities where we can excel and get even more out of it with a lot of swing and kicking and get away a little quicker,” Harris said. “It's something we have to chase and we have to be ready to let them fly and start the trials. Good ones too. Those who are in the flow of the offensive. I think we managed that pretty well. There is growth in figuring out how to do it better. We will do it.”

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Contact Omari Sankofa II at [email protected]. Follow him @omarisankofa.

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