The Pistons had their share of issues in the first two exhibition games, but coach Stan Van Gundy was looking for improvements in running the offense and executing on defense, with all five players locked in to the principles.
Although Van Gundy isn’t concerned about the final record in exhibitions, he wants the team to pass the eye test of having some success on both ends of the floor, building toward the regular-season opener in Toronto on Oct. 26.
The third exhibition game Thursday at Atlanta — a 99-94 Pistons win — didn’t do much to improve Van Gundy’s assessment of their standing.