RSS Pistons Team Notes

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs. Nets final score: Detroit avenges embarrassing loss with beatdown in Brooklyn

Mar 10, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (17) looks to drive past Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Detroit Pistons still might have a ways to go to recapture the magic of the first half of their stunning season, but at least on Tuesday night, they exorcised some recent demons by throttling the Brooklyn Nets 138-100 just three days after blowing a 23-point lead and losing to the very same Nets team.

The Pistons took the game seriously; they were more talented at every position and made quick work of the Nets. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren combined to make their first 15 shots on the night and ended the game a combined 17-of-20 for 47 points.

Cunningham contributed 21 of those points and added 15 assists. Duren led all scorers with 26 points and added four rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and two assists.

The Pistons led by 23 by the midpoint of the second quarter and never looked back. The Nets were led by Michael Porter Jr.’s 19 points.

With the outcome decided relatively early, it was an opportunity for some lesser sung players to show some stuff. Marcus Sasser started again in the place of the injured Ausar Thompson, and the guard finally got to see his shot start falling. He scored 14 points and hit four of his five 3-pointers. Kevin Heurter played 21 minutes and had a good all-around game, scoring seven points. You can tell he knows where to be and makes the right decisions, but he’s gotta start hitting his shots.

Daniss Jenkins had a tough game as a ball handler, but a great game as a ball hawk. He had 14 points, six assists, and five steals on the night.

Finally, there is Ron Holland, who did plenty of Ron Holland things, including getting under the skin of his opponent. Nets wing Nolan Treore got whistled for a flagrant foul for a hard shove on Holland in the second quarter. That was followed quickly by a Nic Claxton shove to Ron Holland that started at his collarbone and traveled up to his neck. Holland went flying, and they reviewed the play to see if it was a flagrant. Stunningly, they then decided to keep it a common foul but whistle Holland for flopping (aka exaggerating the contact).

It felt to me like the refs knew exactly where this game was going and simply wanted to concoct a solution to get the crowd and the Nets players to simmer down before an actual fight broke out. You gotta love Ron Holland.

The Pistons will get another test of whether their mojo is back on Thursday when they host the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers have some talented players, but their injury report is pretty heinous. The bad news on that front got even worse with the announcment that star guard Tyrese Maxey is going to miss several weeks with a finger tendon injury.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...s-embarrassing-loss-with-beatdown-in-brooklyn

 

[Detroit Pistons]

3-man Fastbreak: Potential first round matchups, timing of skid, and Huerter’s role

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 09: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons walks down the court during the first half of a basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 09, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Detroit Pistons took their frustrations out in Brooklyn last night, snapping a four-game losing streak on J.B. Bickerstaff’s birthday. The skid felt longer than it actually was, largely because it had been the team’s only real slump of the season.

Detroit’s 46th win came in ultra-efficient fashion. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren combined to shoot 14-for-15 from the field in the first half, setting the tone for what became a 38-point victory.

It was the kind of performance we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from the Pistons against the league’s bottom-tier teams — and one they desperately needed to regain momentum heading into the home stretch. With an 18-game schedule in March, Detroit will need that confidence if it hopes to hold onto the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

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1. Scariest low seeds​

As the season moves deeper into spring, the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture is starting to look less forgiving than expected. Teams like Charlotte, Miami, and Milwaukee (with a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo) suddenly present uncomfortable matchups for the conference’s top teams given how they’ve been playing recently.

Once the playoffs begin, defenses tighten and rotations shrink. That means Detroit will see the best version of whichever team they draw.

So which low seed poses the biggest threat?

To me, Charlotte stands out as the most intriguing potential Cinderella – and not just because of the teams recent history. The Hornet’s three-point shooting, youth, and depth could create problems for any opponent, including Detroit. At the same time, the Hornets may not yet have the defensive consistency needed to withstand the Pistons’ physical style over a full series.

The next six weeks should offer more clarity, but the first-round matchup is suddenly something worth keeping a close eye on.

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2. Best to go through a slump now?​

Detroit being good this year wasn’t necessarily shocking. What was surprising was how long they went without a real downturn.

For a moment, it felt like the Pistons might cruise through the regular season without ever flattening a tire. Eventually, though, the grind of an 82-game season catches everyone. Even the league’s other elite teams -Oklahoma City and San Antonio included – have hit rough patches this year.

The difference is that Detroit’s slump came later.

And that might not be the worst thing.

Adversity before the playoffs can be valuable, especially for a young team. The personalities in Detroit’s locker room seem well-suited to respond to challenges, and a brief stumble now could sharpen their focus heading into the postseason.

The priority moving forward is simple: stay healthy and rebuild momentum. A favorable upcoming stretch against several teams they’ve handled well this season should help with that.

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3. Huerter minutes​

Kevin Huerter’s role has gradually expanded since Detroit’s February 25 matchup with San Antonio, when he logged 17 minutes while posting seven points and five rebounds.

The team’s recent shooting struggles appear to have accelerated the push for more Huerter minutes. Detroit desperately needs consistent perimeter threats, and Huerter has built a career as exactly that.

The question now is whether this increase is simply experimentation – or a preview of his eventual playoff role.

If the Pistons moved on from Jaden Ivey at the deadline, it would be odd for the player they acquired in return not to take on a meaningful role. Detroit simply can’t survive four playoff rounds with Duncan Robinson as its lone reliable perimeter weapon.

That doesn’t mean others can’t step up. But if Detroit can build Huerter’s confidence and rhythm over the final stretch of the season, even a modest playoff role from him could pay real dividends.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/gene...nd-matchups-timing-of-slump-and-huerters-role

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs Nets final score: Defense got after it

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 10: Marcus Sasser #25 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 10, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Detroit Pistons got back in the win column after a dominant performance from their All-Stars. Cade Cunningham led the way with 21 points and 15 assists while Jalen Duren crushed bones on his way to 26 points in the 138-100 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

The Pistons got right to it with a Duncan Robinson 3, and Marcus Sasser immediately followed suit. Detroit was 5/12 from 3 in the first period alone. The offense was flowing after a couple of rough games. Duren dominated the paint. With nifty fastbreak euro steps and thunderous off-hand jams, Duren’s fingerprints were already all over this one. He finished the game going 9/10 from the field. No one could contain the beast.

The defensive intensity rose a bit when Ron Holland checked in. He forced offensive fouls with constant pressure. Javonte Green had a teammate-of-the-year moment when he stopped Holland from going at Brooklyn’s Nolan Traoré after Traoré pushed Holland. Holland’s defensive pressure frustrates opponents like that.

javonte green just saved nolan traore’s jaw pic.twitter.com/WjfmfC4KRq

— nick (@nick__xo) March 11, 2026

The Holland, Green, Cade, Kevin Huerter, and Isaiah Stewart lineup held the Nets to two points in their five minutes together to start the second quarter. This group was flying around. Huerter was a part of the group’s success even with his jumper still lagging behind. He hit the offensive glass and did the little things.

Brooklyn only scored 13 points in the second period. Detroit needed a showing that reflected its defensive identity. The defense had not been dominant over the last few games. Detroit got back to what they do best.

It’s understandable when a top-flight defense like Detroit slows any team down. That said, no one in Brooklyn could get it going while the game was in reach. Michael Porter Jr. has played at an All-Star level but had nothing for Detroit. The Pistons bottled up the sharpshooter as he was 1-6 from deep. Brooklyn was only 13/38 with some 3s coming in garbage time.

The Pistons didn’t have those struggles from 3. Detroit shot 50 percent as a squad, and Cade led the charge. He was 4/5 from range. Over the last 11 games, he’s shooting 45 percent on seven 3-point attempts. Cade’s jumper could be one of the Pistons’ X-factor come playoff time. He’s trending in the right direction. If teams can’t go under because he’s nailing shots like this, then good luck.

Sasser stepped up in the starting lineup with Ausar Thompson out. He buried four triples. Detroit will need that type of microwave shooting. The same goes for the night Daniss Jenkins had. He won’t average four steals, but that level of ferocity can offset tough shooting nights.

The Nets aren’t world-beaters by any means, but Detroit got out of its defensive slump. Shots won’t always fall, but defense is a non-negotiable for this team. Turning defense into offense has been a staple all season. Detroit scored 29 points off turnovers. That hadn’t happened since before the losing streak. Detroit handled the tanking Nets behind their physical brand of basketball. Next up is the Philadelphia 76ers in Detroit.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...tons-vs-nets-final-score-defense-got-after-it

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs. Sixers Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 9: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons boxes out during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 9, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Detroit Pistons will be facing an undermanned, undersized edition of the Philadelphia 76ers tonight at Little Caesars Arena. The Sixers injury situation is gruesome. Not only are Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre out, but they are without the following big men — Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, Andre Drummond, and Johni Broome. “Who do they have left to play center,” you might be asking yourself. Well, I’m asking myself that, too, and I’m not really sure what the answer is. The only player they have taller than 6-foot-8 is Dominick Barlow, who has that beaten by one inch. Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker are their only other pseudo big men available, and they also have to manage 48 minutes at power forward somehow. Jalen Duren, who grew up in Pennsylvania and played high school ball in Philly, come on down. Paul Reed, who was waived by the Sixers and claimed by the Pistons a couple of years ago, it’s your time to shine. Let’s not let this winnable game slip away.

Game Vitals​

When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Prime Video
Odds: Pistons -14.5

Projected Lineups​

Detroit Pistons (46-18)​

Cade Cunningham, Marcus Sasser, Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Philadelphia 76ers (35-30)​

VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes, Justin Edwards, Trendon Watford, Dominick Barlow

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...-sixers-discussion-game-time-tv-odds-and-more