Having dispatched the Southland Sharks 97-72 in Invercargill on Friday, the Pistons out-classed the Nuggets 95-62 in Dunedin on Saturday night.
The Nuggets were expected to struggle against the Pistons, but Arlidge was bitterly disappointed with the lacklustre performance from his two imports.
"Our two imports really need to look at themselves in the mirror and they need to come and play next week," the fuming coach said.
American forward John Barber jun produced a forgettable performance, landing just three of his 15 attempts from the floor.
In the 24 minutes he was on the court, he posted seven points and grabbed four rebounds.
It is the sort of effort you might expect from a role player, not the paid professional.
His night was best summed up when chunky Ray Cameron pushed past him effortlessly to snatch a rebound from a missed free throw shot.
"He's six-three [1.9m] and 130kg," Arlidge cried.
Fellow import Tyler Amaya also had an off night.
He landed four of his 14 shots from the floor and, damningly, just two of his seven free throws.
"Tyler had a tough job going up against [Thomas] Abercrombie who is a fantastic player. I think he found it hard tonight. But this is what he is paid for. He has to bring it every week."
Thankfully, Nuggets captain Sam To'omata came to the rescue with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
He might be one of the smallest players on the court, but he played with heart and bagged his first double-double for the franchise.
The Nuggets will need more of that sort of effort if they are to break a 20-game losing streak which stretches back to 2008.
Their next opponents, the Manawatu Jets, have been struggling this season with nine consecutive losses.
No doubt both sides will be looking forward to ending their losing streak at the Edgar Centre this Saturday.
"Obviously, next week is a big game for the franchise.
"It is one we've targeted and, for some of the players, I think it is time to front up."
While Arlidge was angry at his side's anaemic performance, the Pistons look the team to beat this year.
Without getting out of second gear, Tall Black Alex Pledger scored 20 points and grabbed 18 boards.
The 2.13m centre looked a head taller than anyone else and took control of the centre of the court.
Fellow Tall Black Abercrombie was the star.
There is not much he cannot do on a basketball court.
He swatted three shots away with remarkable precision and athleticism, top-scored with 22 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished seven assists and had three steals.
The Pistons set the tone early, posting the first 14 points before To'omata answered back for the Nuggets with two free throws.
The under-sized home side did a reasonable job on defence considering the disparity in height and class.
But some poor shooting saw the lead stretch to 21 points by halftime.
The Nuggets' best spell came in the third quarter.
They traded baskets with the visitors but for most of the match looked disorganised on attack and powerless to stop the Pistons.
In other games, the Saints beat the Hawke's Bay Hawks 103-91 in Wellington on Thursday, and the Taranaki Mountain Airs lost both games on a road double-header, to the Christchurch Cougars (75-72) and the Nelson Giants (81-61).
