DETROIT – Detroit Pistons backup center Paul Reed said the team’s mindset entering the third quarter remained focused on execution and energy, even as the Cleveland Cavaliers built momentum during a decisive second-half run.
Reed said the approach never changes regardless of game flow or opponent surge.
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“Same mindset I have all the time,” Reed said. “Go out there, try to help my team win, do whatever is needed.”
Detroit struggled to slow Cleveland’s offense during a stretch that swung control of the game, with Reed pointing to turnovers and defensive breakdowns as key issues.
“We was turning the ball over a lot. We couldn’t get no stops,” Reed said. “Donovan Mitchell was killing us. That was pretty much it.”
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland’s attack during the run that helped separate the teams, scoring 39 points in the second half and finishing with 43 points for the game.
With the series now tied 2-2 and returning to Detroit for Game 5, Reed emphasized the importance of adjustments and urgency as the Pistons look to respond at home.
“It’s just about us figuring out what adjustments we need to make moving forward,” Reed said. “We knew we had to go out and play with more urgency. Hopefully, we can come out next game and play with more urgency.”
Reed also addressed concerns about a foul disparity that limited Detroit’s physicality, particularly on the road.
“I can only speak for myself, but for the group, I think it definitely was frustrating for some guys because they felt like they was getting fouled,” Reed said. “But we’re on the road. We know fouls will go their way. They’re home.”
Reed has been getting more playing time due to the struggles of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, as shown in the third quarter when his five points were the first to snap the Cavaliers’ 22-0 run.
B Ball Paul finished Game 4 with 15 while only playing in the second half in the 112-103 loss to the Cavaliers.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff defended his decision to play Reed over Duren for portions of the third quarter, saying he earned his spot in the rotation.
--> J.B. Bickerstaff blasts free-throw disparity after Detroit Pistons’ Game 4 loss to Cleveland
With the backing of his head coach, how much run should Reed get in the pivotal Game 5?
Speaking of Game 5, winners, when the series is tied 2-2 in a best-of-seven NBA playoff series, are 196-44 all-time, so whoever wins on Wednesday (May 13) at 8 p.m. inside Little Caesars Arena will have a great chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The home team for Game 5 has gone on to win the series 73.3% of the time.