RSS Pistons Team Notes

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs Hawks final score: Detroit grinds out another tough one

There were a few notes I had in mind pre-game. 1. How would the Detroit Pistons defend Atlanta Hawks star forward Jalen Johnson? He just erupted for 41 points in his last outing. It is always interesting to see how Detroit goes about slowing down stars. 2. How much would the 3-point disparity burn Detroit? Only the Rockets and Kings shoot 3s less than Detroit. 3. How much would Duren be used? He’s a tone setter. An involved Duren is a different Detroit team.

Neither team came out blazing in the 1st quarter; both squads failed to reach 30. Plays like Cade Cunningham’s emphatic block that led to an Isaiah Stewart eurostep defined the period. It was cool to see those two switch roles momentarily. Onyeka Okongwu hit a few 3s, but the Hawks man of the hour, Jalen Johnson, was contained through one.

Ausar Thompson ripped him clean early and set the tone for how the game would go. How the first half would go at least. The Pistons were ready to muddy this one up. Jalen Duren got physical in the first. He drew two fouls and delivered a mean crossover on the way to an And-1 off an offensive rebound.

Daniss Jenkins started this game and made an imprint in the second quarter. His shot was a bit off, but Jenkins’ rapid pace sped the game up, and he continuously found Duren in traffic. That Ron Holland and Jenkins combo off the bench is a load to deal with for second-stringers. You can’t put your hands on your knees with Holland on the floor; he was springing all over the Hawks for putback opportunities.

Caris LeVert continues to hit bailout shots. The Hawks got on a 6-0 run in the 2nd, and LeVert steps up and drains a big one to put Detroit up 1. LeVert can be erratic, but that fire cannon mentality will be needed in spots when Detroit needs a bucket. He’s the type of player who can win a game in the playoffs, capitalizing off Cade drawing 2 to the ball.

Stew ran the floor and deflected shots at the rim like a madman before the break. His finishing at the rim stood out as he went 3-3 from 2-point range in the 1st half. Detroit dominated the glass, outrebounding Atlanta 37-20. Atlanta shot a smidge better from three, but only had seven turnovers to Detroit’s 13.

It was clear that the blitz Cade button was pressed at halftime for the Hawks. They swarmed the Pistons’ ball handler, and the team as a whole flipped possession after possession at the top of the third. It hadn’t cost Detroit because of their crippling defense on the other end. They got stops and were off to the races in transition.

The third quarter was a seesaw tit for tat affair. Jalen Johnson got going. He had an early dunk followed by a middy jumper, and he was ready to cook. The turnovers remained a thing for Detroit, but some of these were at least attempts to get a teammate involved, which can be worth it. Duren remained a presence in the paint, and Cade was letting the game come to him. He wasn’t pressing the issue, which led to a more distributive-driven Cade in this period.

Detroit’s defense to offense led the charge as they edged out the Hawks in the third. Cade got his hands on balls in transition in 1-on-1 situations multiple times. His effort and Holland’s sensational circus shot closed the 3rd, and Detroit led 74-68 headed into the fourth. That’s not a regular score you see in 2025.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker did his thing to help the Hawks. He tried wth 26 points and six 3s. He had some nice drives that opened up layup lines for teammates. His spurt in the middle of the fourth quarter flipped this game on its head. He was the catalyst of a 14-4 run capped off by a Dyson Daniels floater in the lane.

Jenkins had some key plays to keep the game in reach. A missed foul call on Cade that led to a Johnson 3 on the other end felt like the game was slipping away. With Detroit trailing by 3, Duren slips and slides his way to another three-point opportunity. And-1. The game is knotted at 89 late into the 4th.

If you blinked, you missed the 13-0 run Detroit went on. This was a heavyweight battle with counter punching and on the chin accuracy. Atlanta wouldn’t go down without a fight. NAW and Johnson hit 3s to bring the Hawks back in it. The Pistons’ lack of shooting didn’t cost them tonight, but it could’ve (5/26 from 3, Hawks 14/40)

With Detroit up 2, Cade corkscrewed around Hawks defenders, charging to the cup for a filthy reverse lefty layup. That was the closing touch on another clutch moment from the Clutch Player of the Year. We had to get the late game free throw theatrics out of the way before Detroit grinded out a gritty 99-98 win.

The Pistons move to 17-4 and have run up two in a row. Cade or Duren didn’t even need a standout performance to secure this one. Great team win overall that was led by this defense we all love. Game ball goes to Ron Holland. Good work.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...al-score-detroit-grinds-out-another-tough-one

 

[Detroit Pistons]

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

Duncan Robinson is out for the Detroit Pistons tonight, and with him goes Detroit’s most reliable 3-point threat. Jalen Duren and Caris LeVert are available against the Atlanta Hawks, and that should at least create a few more outlets and variety of scoring punch behind Cade Cunningham.

The Hawks are on a bit of a role, armed with some good to great individual defenders and an efficient and blistering offensive attack that relies on pressure and pace. The Hawks will be without starter Kristaps Porzingis, but Onyeka Okongwu is more than capable starting in his place. They are also without Obi Toppin and Trae Young, whose timetable is still a ways away.

Game Vitals​

When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -9.5

Projected Lineup​

Detroit Pistons (16-4)​

Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Atlanta Hawks (13-8)​

Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Zachary Risacher, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu

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

 

[Detroit Pistons]

If Giannis Antetokounmpo is available of course Pistons should be interested

The dam might be officially breaking on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relationship with the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis, it appears, wants out of a middling Milwaukee franchise with a less-than-middling future.

ESPN puts it far more diplomatically than that, of course. It reports that Giannis and his agent “are having convesations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP’s future — and discussing whether his best fit is staying or a move elsewhere, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.”

When is a trade demand not a trade demand? When you’re simply having conversations and asking questions.

The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5.

Yes, the Detroit Pistons should be interested and should be on the phone with Milwaukee brass, gauging what a deal could look like. Of course, so should every other contending NBA team. That includes franchises like the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, LA Lakers, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

There would be an enormous cost to obtain the forward, who is days away from his 31st birthday. Both in dollars and in other treasure. Antetokounmpo will be eligible for a four-year $275 million extension next season. He will get that extension from whoever trades for him.

The assets required to get him would be nearly everything in the cupboard.

The is a strong contingent of NBA analysts and fans who want the Pistons to make a consolidation trade. They are very deep with very young, still flawed players who are nowhere near their potential. They also have big salary that isn’t incredibly burdensome. They are also a very good basketball team who still need that second star next to Cade Cunningham.

Cade, to make it plain, would be the only player off the table in any Giannis deal.

Ron Holland and Jaden Ivey would surely be gone. Do you love Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson? Pick one because at least one of them is going as well. Like the veteran presence of Tobias Harris? Too bad, the salaries need to match. Don’t even think about having future draft picks. They would all go to Milwaukee.

Would that be enough to beat any offer the Thunder, who own the unprotected Los Angeles Clippers pick in the upcoming draft? Would it be enough to beat an offer the Atlanta Hawks could make, who own the New Orleans Pelicans’ unprotected pick?

I don’t want to get too caught up in building an actual, hypothetical trade because it is pretty much sending everything, absorbing as much bad salary as you can (which isn’t much since you have to account for Giannis’ $54 million salary), and try and have some shooting left and one other young star as the trio.

So, in my mind, you keep Duncan Robinson if the math allows. You are taking on either Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma or Bobby Portis to help clean up Milwaukee’s books, and you are choosing One Other Player That Matters.

Is it Duren? You’d probably want a spacing big man to give Giannis and Cade room to operate.

Is it Ausar? Is there a world where a non-shooter like Ausar, even with as good as he is defensively, can co-exist with Antetokounmpo?

Is it Holland? Is he actually ready to inherit so much responsibility?

Is it Daniss Jenkins? Just kidding … sort of.

You trade everything because Giannis is just that good, and he instantly opens a true title window for a franchise as long as there is another star left standing to play with the Greek superstar.

Giannis is third in the NBA in box score plus-minus behind Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His true shooting percentage remains top 10 in the league (.677) despite playing on a middling offense. He still gets to the line — 165 attempts this season, which is six more than Tyrese Maxey despite playing more than 300 fewer minutes. He is and remains elite.

I don’t think any deal with the Pistons will happen. But it feels like whichever team trades for Antetokounmpo will be happy they did. For the next three years, anyway.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/pist...ilable-of-course-pistons-should-be-interested

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons at Bucks final score: Detroit blows 18-point lead to Milwaukee

This felt like a game where Detroit beat themselves – a game we’ve seen many times before two or three seasons ago. Luckily, those days are behind us now.

The game started off with a Giannis Antetokounmpo injury a few minutes in as Detroit started the game on a 19-4 run. They had their biggest lead of the game 30-12 late in the first quarter as it looked like we were headed towards a blowout.

That’s when Milwaukee’s 2-3 zone started causing some issues.

The Bucks started to claw back in the second quarter because they packed the paint and forced the Pistons to play slow. Detroit had no Duncan Robinson in a game where they crucially needed him. After leading by 18, the Pistons held onto a narrow 52-49 lead at halftime.

The Cade-Duren pick and roll was nonexistent due to the 2-3 zone. Both struggled creating opportunities at the rim with Myles Turner sitting in the paint. Isaiah Stewart brought the intensity defensively, but after a complaint to the ref and a tussle with Bobby Portis, two technical fouls made him hit the showers early. This isn’t the first time he has gotten thrown out of a Milwaukee game where the team would go on to need him down the stretch, just to lose the game.

There were too many possessions of Detroit players passing up open threes to drive into an already busy paint to force up an attempt near the rim. At times, it was like this Pistons team had never played against a zone before. I hate to give Doc Rivers a compliment, but it was a great idea not playing man defense against Detroit. They were happy to help off Ausar Thompson and were willing to live with his open three-point attempts. There were no explosive halfcourt alley-oop lobs to Jalen Duren.

The Pistons led by seven heading into the third quarter, yet they would be outscored 35-24 in the fourth to go on to lose 113-109 to Milwaukee. Detroit was down three with 12 seconds left and Cade airballed the game-tying attempt – a good summary of the game overall.

Tobias Harris and Jaden Ivey were the lone bright spots for Detroit – they both shot 50% from the field and made multiple much needed three-pointers. Harris led the team with 20 points, and Ivey saw a season-high in minutes (19) and points (15).

Guards Daniss Jenkins, Cade Cunningham, and Caris LeVert combined to shoot 3-for-20 from deep tonight. That was the story of the game – Milwaukee packed the paint against the league-leading team for points in the paint, and dared them to shoot. Tonight, it worked.

Detroit will play again Friday night against the Portland Trailblazers at Little Caesars Arena.

Go Stones.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...core-detroit-blows-18-point-lead-to-milwaukee

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Submit your questions for The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast

Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @blakesilverman.

Join us live on Sunday morning for the show where we’ll discuss the Pistons’ week of games. How concerning was Wednesday’s loss to the Bucks? Speaking of the Bucks, any interest in one Giannis Antetokounmpo? If so, would you be willing to pay the high price? Plus, anything else on your mind following the home back-to-back against Portland and Milwaukee.

Plus, The Pindown has a phone line where you can leave a message and hear your voice on the show. Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message around 45 seconds or less so we can fit everyone into the show.

The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms the following morning.

The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:​

When: Sunday December 7 at 11 a.m. ET

Where: Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel

How to submit questions:

• Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.
• Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message to 45 seconds or less.
• Twitter: @detroitbadboys, @blakesilverman or @therealwesd3
• YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — Subscribe here

As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...ons-for-the-pindown-a-detroit-pistons-podcast

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Under the Hood: Game 22 at Bucks – Zone Defense Struggles

And…we’re back! Hope y’all had a great Thanksgiving.

Under the Hood – it’s time to see what’s really going on inside this Pistons team.

Firing on All Cylinders

Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks exposed Detroit’s biggest weakness last night – their lack of perimeter shooting.

To beat a 2-3 zone, you want to force the defense to constantly move. Quick ball movement to find open shooters or cutters is the best way to attack. If you want to punish a zone, you need to score from deep.

Putting somebody at the high-post, above the free throw line in the middle of the zone is a good way of collapsing the defense. I think Cade had a couple of good possessions as the middle-man. A simple touch pass to LeVert forces Bucks’ Kevin Porter Jr to do a 360 as he tries to contest Caris’ open three.

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If the offense is struggling late in the possession, Cade being in the middle of the zone already has him in a great spot to create.

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We didn’t see too much of a 5-out offense against the zone, but we did see a possession late in the third quarter. You can see how much more room there is to cover for the defense, and some quick side-to-side movement at the top of the zone creates enough movement for Daniss Jenkins to get to a open jumper from the free throw line.

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Another good possession with quick ball movement and shooters along the three-point line where an Ausar drive-and-kick ends up as a hockey assist for a LeVert three.

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Transmission Trouble

Now, let’s look at some bad possessions.

Sure, this layup attempt by Ron Holland was weak, but that’s not the worst part to me. With six total people in the paint, including two Pistons, RoHo leaves a wide open corner to cut into a packed lane. Cade could’ve found him for an open three instead of a contested layup.

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Jaden Ivey makes a great step back three here, but the point of this clip is to watch how Milwaukee defends Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson.

I wrote last night in the game recap that the Duren roll was nonexistent and it’s because Milwaukee had no respect for Ausar’s jumper. Jericho Sims, to the left of Bobby Portis, is completely in the paint to double JD on the roll and left Thompson wide open on the wing. They treated Ausar like a non-shooting center.

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Just a frustrating take for me – there needs to be higher offensive awareness on this team to find a better shot late in the shot clock than an isolation into a packed paint to get an attempt over three Bucks defenders.

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Again, same complaint as above – this is a terrible take. Ron could’ve had an open three at the top of the key, but he instead turns a great shot into a terrible one as he drives right into Myles Turner.

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Mechanic’s Note

I will give Ron and Ausar their flowers, however.

One thing I enjoy that both of them do, which all struggling shooters should learn to do, is to get a running start before they receive a pass to try to catch the defense sleeping.

Ron attempted it in the above clip when he should’ve shot the three, but you can see him set this next one up. He’s slowly walking towards the three-point line, then starts running before the ball gets to him so it’ll help him get passed his defender.

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Ausar is capable of doing it as well. Here he starts running before the catch to get passed AJ Green. On his way to the paint, Jericho Sims has to help off the corner and Ausar finds Ivey for a wide open three.

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These are ways Ron and Ausar can still make a positive impact offensively if they’re not yet threats from deep.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/pist...-hood-game-22-at-bucks-zone-defense-struggles

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs Trailblazers Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More

After a completely dispiriting loss to a Milwaukee Bucks team whose only other win in 10 games was against the Brooklyn Nets, the Detroit Pistons are looking to rebound against the feisty Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers are coming off of a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers and great performances from Deni Advija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Caleb Love. Former Piston Jerami Grant added 16, 6, and 5, and was a game-high plus 16. Toumani Camara played great defense and was an efficient 5-of-7 from the floor, including three threes. To put it as plain as I can, the Blazers can be a problem. And this Detroit team seems to love to create problems even when they don’t exist.

The Milwaukee game was a huge disappointment all around, but I was particularly upset with the big men. Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart combined for 13 points, 11 rebounds, and one ejection in 33 minutes of action. Detroit was outscored in points in the paint, which rarely happens, and on fastbreak points, ditto. Also, the turnovers. Oy. They have a lot to clean up.

Game Vitals​

When: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -7.5

Projected Lineups​

Detroit Pistons (17-5)​

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Portland Trail Blazers (9-13)​

Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Sidy Cissoko, Jermai Grant, Kris Murray

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

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs. Blazers final score: This game was foul, but Detroit wins

The Basketball Gods ™ wouldn’t let the Detroit Pistons lose this one. It’s not that they played a perfect game, but they consistently outplayed the Portland Trail Blazers throughout. But the game was a mess. Some of that was Detroit’s fault — the offense is still scuffling for long stretches — but most of it was because this might be one of the worst-refereed games I have ever witnessed. If you have a Portland fan in your life, they would probably tell you the same thing. In the end, though, the Basketball Gods ™ spoke, and the Pistons prevailed 122-116.

Now, these biased eyes will tell you the Pistons consistently got the short end of the terrible referee straw. A bunch of infuriating, questionable calls went against the Pistons. None bigger than a crucial fourth-quarter, two-play swing.

With the Pistons up 103-102 with 4:03 to play, Tobias Harris had the ball at the rim and was clearly fouled on the arm by Robert Williams, but the refs called it a block. Deni Avdija quickly brought the ball up the floor, where he found Jerami Grant in the corner. Grant launched a three, hopping forward into an Ausar Thompson contest.

Grant made the three-pointer, the refs called a foul on Ausar, and then reviewed the call and said Thompson impeded Grant’s ability to land and upgraded the foul to a flagrant.

One, I’m not even sure Thompson made contact on the initial shot. Two, I can see the landing zone being straight up and down, but it is ridiculous that you would get to define your landing zone by how far forward you jump on your shot. Grant sank the free throw, the Blazers got the ball back, and Avdija made a 14-foot pull-up jumper.

What should have been a Tobias Harris two-shot foul suddenly became an eight-point swing in favor of the Blazers. Suddenly, the game was 108-103, and for the first time, I felt like the Pistons were destined to lose this one.

Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson had other ideas.

Cunningham played a patient, in-control game after a bit of a stinker against the Bucks. He finished with 29 points on 15 shots, sank two of his four three-pointers, had nine assists, three steals, a block, and only one turnover.

With Little Caesars Arena ready to erupt after this huge swing against the home team, Cade got himself to the free-throw line on consecutive possessions to make it a one-point game.

Then, Robinson answered an Avdija circus shot with one of his own, taking a movement three off of a screen with a man in his face and hoisted while off balance. The ball hit nothing but net, as George Blaha, who was honored at halftime for his induction into the Hall of Fame, would say.

The game was tied and the Pistons had new life.

Cunningham subsequently stole the in-bounds pass for a layup to give the Pistons a two-point lead, and Robinson went down after a Pistons stop to sink another three and effectively put the game away.

Duncan’s three-point shooting was much-needed. He hit four of his six threes, and created much-needed space for Detroit’s offense.

Other plays of note included Jalen Duren early, who generated plenty of offense when the Pistons were struggling to navigate the bizarre whistles. Then Isaiah Stewart late, who continues to be a menace at the rim. He blocked four shots and was a team-high plus-1o on the night.

Ron Holland also had a big showing. Miraculously, on a night when 64 fouls were called, Holland only had four. And it’s not for lack of playing his typical hard-nosed defense. He was all over the floor, and constantly found himself in scrums for lose balls, generating steals, jump balls, deflections and pure chaos. He also had his offensive game going tonight. He scored 17 points, hit three three-pointers, and had some critical quick-strike drives to the basket late.

The Blazers were led by Avdija, who played a brilliant game with 34 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Jerami Grant scored the quietest 29 points I can remember, as he is wont to do, and Shaedon Sharpe showed brilliant talent and also, in my opinion, played an awful game. He scored 28 points, but was a mess on defense and made several questionable decisions on offense.

As mentioned earlier, this game had 64 fouls on the night. The record this season is 66, but that was a triple-overtime game, per the broadcast. It was an absolute tire fire. Bad calls, late calls, no calls, and a crew that simultaneously dictated all 48 minutes of the game and yet never managed to have control of the game.

The Blazers, I’m sure, are furious, especially at how the last quarter was officiated. Detroit was in the bonus before three minutes had elapsed in the fourth, and Tomani Camara, Sidy Cissoko, and Kris Murray all fouled out. It was an abject disaster of a game.

But at least the right team won.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...nal-score-this-game-was-foul-but-detroit-wins

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Under the Hood: Game 23 vs Trail Blazers – Ron’s Potential

Under the Hood – it’s time to see what’s really going on inside this Pistons team.

Firing on All Cylinders

Last night was one of those games where you could see the vision for what Ron Holland could become. In just 20 minutes, he finished with 17 points, three rebounds, and a steal while shooting 6-for-11 from the field and 3-for-6 from deep.

To me, his biggest area of growth his is three-point shooting – he’s currently shooting 28.1% on 2.8 attempts per game, up from 23.8% and 1.9 attempts last year. Majority of his attempts this season have come from the right corner where he’s 9-for-25 (36%) so far.

I like this first possession where he has a drive-and-kick opportunity, but with nothing produced from it, he relocates to the corner to space out the floor. He takes his time once he receives the pass and he knocks down the shot with confidence.

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If Blaha says the bank is open, the bank is open.

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Ultimately, I believe this is how Ron can be used best as a 3-and-D wing – become a threat from the corners with a reliable three-point shot.

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Transmission Trouble

Ron’s still one of the youngest players in the league and it’s only the beginning of his second season, so he’s still learning when to drive and when to shoot.

This will improve over time with more possessions like this, but he has to shoot this ball – Duncan creates a wide open three-point attempt for him, yet he decides to drive into Robert Williams III and gets stuffed at the rim.

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I’m going to reuse a clip that I used in the previous Under the Hood, but Ron did the same thing last game against Milwaukee. He had a wide open three-pointer, but he instead drove into a packed lane to get a layup attempt. With more practice and confidence over time, Ron will learn to let these fly.

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Mechanic’s Note

Ron’s slashing style is different from Ausar or Cade who can play with a change-of-pace on their way to the rim. RoHo is more of a straight-line driver who can use his speed and size to get into the lane when he thinks he sees an alley.

While it didn’t work for him in the above two clips, he still had plenty of strong drives last night that will only continue to become more available as the strength of his three-point shooting grows.

Nothing fancy – just one dribble into a quick burst to get to the rim and draw the and-one.

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This next one was a great drive. He instantly attacks Jerami Grant’s top foot to beat him off the dribble and uses that patented RoHo eurostep to make the layup.

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If I was on the coaching staff, I’d be showing Ron these last two clips in comparison with the two from the Transmission Trouble section to show the difference in quality between drives.

The defenders are much closer to him and the three-point line to provide him with more room and space to beat them off the dribble.

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An athletic, 3-and-D forward that can hit mid-30s from three-point land in the corners is a very, very valuable piece next to Cade – Ron is on his way to turn into that piece.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/pist...-hood-game-23-vs-trail-blazers-rons-potential

 

[Detroit Pistons]

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

The Detroit Pistons are out for a little revenge against the Milwaukee Bucks while Milwaukee is looking for reasons to be happy and hopeful after the triple whammy of an extended run of losses, a trade demand from their superstar, and an injury to that same superstar.

There will be no Giannis Antetokounmpo tonight, just as was the case save for a couple first-quarter minutes on Wednesday night, when the Pistons fell to the Bucks 113-109. That loss was maybe the must frustrating and poorest effort coming from this Detroit team all season. They never looked locked in, they never looked like they had a plan, and they never really executed on either end of the floor.

It was nice to see the Pistons rebound against a feisty Portland Trail Blazers team (and the refs) on Friday night, but now they have a quick turnaround for the rematch against Milwaukee. The Bucks also played on Friday, but it was a less spirited afair — a 15-point loss to a Philadelphia 76ers team resting Joel Embiid.

Tonight, the Pistons will be without Tobias Harris with an ankle sprain, but Marcus Sasser could see the floor for the first time this season as the young guard will be active. The Bucks will be without Giannis, 3-point marskman AJ Green, and veteran Taurean Prince.

Game Vitals​

When: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -12.5

Projected Lineups​

Detroit Pistons (18-5)​

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren

Milwaukee Bucks (10-14)​

Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, Gary Trent, Myles Turner, Jericho Sims

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

 

[Detroit Pistons]

The Pindown: Back on Track

The Pistons are back on the right track just in time for a nice, nearly week-long break to rest and recover. In this episode, Blake and Wes break down why the Pistons have seen so much zone, how they can continue to break it and why you shouldn’t be too worried about it in the long-run. They discuss Ron Holland’s great play, Duncan Robinson’s vital role in the offense and why Jalen Duren needs to start forcing some shots. Finally, the guys have some fun comparing Isaiah Stewart to a certain former Hall of Fame Piston while exploring why Stewart is and can be so impactful with the starting group.

We’ve got you covered for all this and more in this week’s episode!

Detroit Bad Boys YouTube

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Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detroit-pistons-podcasts/48583/the-pindown-back-on-track

 

[Detroit Pistons]

3-Man Fastbreak: Speed bumps

Detroit’s franchise-tying 13-game win streak placed them alongside some of the greatest teams in Pistons history, reigniting a fan base and commanding league-wide attention in the process.

The Detroit Pistons haven’t come crashing back down, but the past week has carried a hint of dissatisfaction when measured against the electric start to the season. And however you may feel about the NBA Cup, advancing to the next round for the first time in its three-year existence would have been a meaningful validation of this team’s rise.

So let’s break down some takeaways from the past week in Detroit.

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1. Cause for concern?​

Since the Pistons’ win streak ended, they’ve dropped three of their last five games — all within just a few points. It’s still far too early to draw major conclusions or raise any red flags about the team’s direction yet.

Detroit is still recalibrating. Multiple players are returning from injuries, and the rotation is adjusting to a roster that suddenly has more mouths to feed. Opponents have also stopped taking the Pistons lightly; instead of circling them as an easy win, they’re preparing for the top seed in the East.

There’s also an intangible element at play. The edge and urgency that fueled the streak seems to have dipped ever so slightly. The motivation to keep something historic alive is gone. Opposing teams are focusing heavily on clogging the paint, throwing more zone looks at Detroit, and surrounding Jalen Duren with bodies to limit Detroit’s interior dominance.

Earlier in the season, plenty of teams were still figuring out their identities while Detroit already knew what it was which was a big advantage. Now the challenge shifts: sustain success, absorb adjustments from opponents, and find multiple ways to win.

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2. ATL/DET playoff matchup would be cinema​

I’d love to know how many NBA games this season have ended with both teams under 100 points. Monday’s 99–98 Pistons win over the Hawks was gritty, grimy, and downright ugly — but for fans who appreciate defensive battles, it was beautiful.

Detroit shot just 19% from three, committed 23 turnovers, yet dominated the glass with a 60–34 rebounding advantage that likely swung the outcome.

Atlanta mirrors Detroit in a lot of ways: both teams lean on defense, physicality, and versatility. A playoff series between these two would have the same bruising, heavyweight feel as last year’s Detroit–New York matchup. It would be war in slow motion — and must-see TV.

The Hawks are expected to get Trae Young back soon, and his return could reshape their style, but many smart basketball minds believed in this team before the season. There’s still time for them to validate that optimism.

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3. Ivey is still limited​

The sample size remains small for Jaden Ivey, who is returning from a season-ending leg injury, and Detroit has taken a cautious approach reintegrating him into the lineup.

Across seven games, he’s averaging 8 points on 41.3% shooting while playing just 14.3 minutes per night. But in last night’s game against Milwaukee, he logged a season-high 19 minutes, posted 15 points, and grabbed six rebounds — a sign that JB Bickerstaff may be ready to ramp up his usage.

The real question isn’t whether Ivey can return to the level he was playing at pre-injury. It’s how his style fits into this Pistons team — a first-place group built on discipline, defense, and role clarity.

Caris LeVert and Dannis Jenkins were thriving as primary scoring options while Ivey was out. Now roles shift again. Ivey won’t just return to the rotation — he’ll take on a much more prominent role.

And the biggest question of all: does the Ivey-Cunningham backcourt ultimately work long-term, and does it translate to winning?

We’re finally going to find out.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detroit-pistons-analysis/48526/3-man-fastbreak-speed-bumps

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs Trailblazers preview: Detroit aims to get back on track

The Detroit Pistons are 3-3 over their last six games. They have the 20th-best offense and 9th-best defense over that span. The Pistons can flip the script against a drive-heavy 9-13 Portland Trail Blazers squad.

That zone Milwaukee ran stifled the Pistons offense. If Duncan Robinson is out again, that same zone could be in play against the undersized Blazers. It’s good to get reps in against zones now so that’s not some unsolvable puzzle come postseason.

Portland is a fringe play-in team in the Western Conference that doesn’t have a ton of quality teams like years past, but they compete and are the only team that has defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder. Snagging a win in this spot on their home court can turn this meh stretch around for Detroit.

Game Vitals​

When: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (-7.5)

Analysis​

Even after this rough 6-game stretch, the Pistons still have the best record in the East, but the New York Knicks and surprising Toronto Raptors are on their heels.

Putting a good 48 minutes together against a Blazers team that will be scrappy will keep the small cushion Detroit has intact. They’ll have to take it because Deni Avdija won’t give it to them.

Avdija is performing like a clear first-team All-Star. Besides his Cade-like 26,7,6 counting stats, Avdija is also putting the most pressure on the rim in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the league in drives per game over the last five years, but Avdija has the drive crown for now.

Cade Cunningham is actually 3rd in that department behind those two. It’s virtually impossible to stay in front of these guys when they drop their shoulders and decide to get to the basket.

With Avdija’s drives leading the dance, the Blazers are the No. 1 driving team overall. Their drives matched up with the Pistons rim protectors and perimeter defenders is the key matchup here.

37 percent (5th) of Portland’s shots come at the rim, while Detroit only allows opponents to shoot 30 percent (9th) of their shots at the cup. It’ll be a battle of wills tonight, and I’d still bet my money on Jalen Duren and Iasiah Stewart dominating the paint on both sides.

That tandem is a handful defensively, but the Blazers will be in for a long night with Duren if they throw smalls at him. Donovan Clingan is the Blazers’ lone big who plays substantial minutes (Robert Williams is good in short spans), and they love their small-ball lineups that feature Jerami Grant or Sidy Cissoko at the 5.

Those matchups aren’t ideal against Duren. Sure, that spaces out the floor and forces him to cover in space, but if he’s as dominant as he can be on offense, that trade-off isn’t worth it. Duren should be on his bully after his 8-point outing against the Giannis-less Bucks.

That game reminded us about the beauty of the regular season. Teams throw different schemes at you that should sharpen you down the road. The Pistons underperformed against that zone, but every game moving forward is an opportunity to figure that out.

Most of it simply comes down to this being a make-or-miss league because teams are daring Detroit to shoot. Detroit misses Robinson’s shooting and the stress he puts on defenses with his quick trigger.

Besides shooting variance, Detroit can continue putting trustworthy playmakers in the middle of the zone. Cade has the size to see over the zone, and he’s the best passer on the roster. Duren’s shown the ability to thrive at the high post, and so has Ausar Thompson when he’s thinking pass and score.

Ausar and Ron Holland have to be quick, decisive decision makers off the bounce to offset their shooting woes against zones. Teams are sagging off them, so they will have space to play with on the catch against zones. Ausar can play some dunker spot depending on the lineup as well.

Things aren’t collapsing. Jaden Ivey played a season high in minutes and put together some good hoops. If he’s anywhere close to the shooter and driver he was last year, that makes this team a whole different animal.

Caris LeVert wasn’t very good against Milwaukee to put it lightly, but he is still shooting 40% from 3 and only 60% of his makes have been assisted on (84th %tile). He can create his own shot when he’s sharp, and that was very much needed in the playoffs for Detroit last year. The 3-point shot-making off the bounce or catch is crucial as well.

Projected Lineups​

Detroit Pistons (17-5)​

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson (questionable), Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Portland Trail Blazers (9-13)​

Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Sidy Cissoko, Jermai Grant, Donovan Clingan

Question of the Day​

When do we get concerned about Cade’s 3-point shooting?

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...ers-preview-detroit-aims-to-get-back-on-track

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Trading for Anthony Davis is a terrible idea

The rumors have begun.

Sham Charania of ESPN released a report yesterday that sent social media into a frenzy of fake trades. We’re just a few days away from December 15th when players who signed contracts this summer are eligible to be traded, so these rumors are to be expected. However, this is the first time in a long time where the Pistons are expected to be buyers instead of sellers.

First, let’s dig in to Shams’ report:

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis, another former NBA champion, is expected to be a critical trade target of several teams, including many of the East’s contenders. The Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors are expected to be suitors for Davis, league sources told ESPN.

What does “expected to be suitors” even mean? They’re not currently suitors, but he expects them to show interest at some point soon? This doesn’t feel like a report – more like Rich Paul agent-talk.

The Pistons (19-5), Raptors (15-10) and Hawks (14-11) represent high-level threats in the East and are having seasons that give hope that a player like Davis — a 10-time All-Star who has spent his entire career in the Western Conference — can elevate them into a viable championship-quality team.

This just doesn’t feel like quality reporting – Shams quotes a Bucks source and a Bucks player when he’s discussing Giannis Antetokounmpo, but shares no quotes when it comes to Anthony Davis.

But, for the sake of the argument, let’s assume the Pistons are actually interested in Davis.

The Contract​

First, Anthony Davis is in his first year of a 3-year/$175 million contract that has a player option in the third year when he’ll turn 34. He’ll then be eligible for a 4-year/$275 million extension that would pay him $76 million in his final year when he turns 37.

That’s a lot of money for someone who has the nicknames “Street Clothes” and “Day-to-Day Davis.” Since being traded from New Orleans to Los Angeles when he was 26, he has played in 63 or more games just once in the past six seasons. The Dallas Mavericks have played in 25 games so far this season and AD has already missed 15 of them. It’s pretty much a guarantee that Davis will miss 20-30 games every year, if not more.

I remember Detroit Bad Boys discussing Trajan Langdon’s first acquisitions of Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Malik Beasley and how their best ability was their availability – marathon men who rarely missed games. The Duncan Robinson trade this summer is another example of acquiring players who stay on the court. Trading for Anthony Davis doesn’t seem like a Trajan Langdon type of move given how frequently he misses games.

The Trade​

So, what would a trade for Davis actually look like?

Well, he’s making $54 million this year so Tobias Harris and his $26 million contract would have to be involved. Jaden Ivey would most likely be the young piece and Caris LeVert’s $14 million helps make the money match.

I have to imagine those three aren’t enough to get the deal done, so how many first-rounders would have to be added? One? Two? Three?!

I’m not sure I would do the above deal even if there were no picks included. That is a monster contract for someone that gets a court-side seat to watch his team play for a good chunk of every season. Why shouldn’t Dallas have to attach assets to get off of his contract instead?

The Fit​

To be blunt, the fit is gross.

Let’s assume that the proposed trade above happened so we can take a look at the rotation:

1. Cade Cunningham/Daniss Jenkins
2. Duncan Robinson/Marcus Sasser
3. Ausar Thompson/Ron Holland
4. Anthony Davis/Isaiah Stewart
5. Jalen Duren/Paul Reed

Is this team better than the current team?

You’d be relying on three current third-stringers to handle large bench minutes, and any depth that you had at the guard position is now gone. Daniss Jenkins becomes your starting PG if Cade gets hurt and Ausar/Sasser would have to handle backup PG duties.

A frontcourt of Ausar Thompson/Anthony Davis/Jalen Duren gives me spacing vibes of Josh Smith/Greg Monroe/Andre Drummond. It’s a trio of two centers and a forward that can’t shoot from deep. The spacing for the Cade-Duren pick-and-roll is already limited, but throwing AD in for Tobias/Stew at PF would only make it worse.

Anthony Davis is still good – just not for this team. He’s averaging 19.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists this season while shooting 52.3% from the field. He’s also shooting 33.3% from deep, but it’s an incredibly small sample size (7-for-21) through the 10 games he has played this year.

Yet, he’s seeing some of his lowest numbers since his rookie year. His minutes per game, points per game, and free throw attempts per game are all the lowest they’ve been since Year 1. His free throws percentages in Dallas have stayed under 70% – his two lowest seasons ever. So, he doesn’t shoot a lot of threes, doesn’t get to the line, and doesn’t make his free throws – great!

That means he’s doing most of his work inside-the-arc – a space already occupied by multiple players in the starting lineup. Here’s where he’s getting shots up on the floor:

• At Rim: 39-for-53 (73.6%)
• 3 ft to 10 ft: 14-for-32 (43.8%)
• 10 ft to 16 ft: 10-for-22 (45.5%)
• 16 ft to 3-pt-line: 10-for-25 (40.0%)

For a guy that’s scoring so efficiently at the rim, that’s A LOT of inefficient midrange shot attempts away from the basket.

The Conclusion​

Isaiah Stewart provides more than Anthony Davis for what this Pistons team needs.

If you want more of a defensive presence in the starting lineup without giving up three rotation pieces and draft picks, then just start Beef Stew. Let’s look at his shot diet:

• At Rim: 39-for-53 (73.6%)
• 3 ft to 10 ft: 19-for-43 (44.2%)
• 10 ft to 16 ft: 0-for-1
• 16 ft to 3-pt-line: 0-for-0
• 3-pointers: 21-for-51 (41.2%)

Margot Robbie is pretty, but this shot distribution is even prettier.

That’s right – Stew is shooting exactly the same at the rim as AD, yet he doesn’t have 47 attempts of the inefficient long two. Isaiah is a true 3-and-D forward/big that provides all (if not, more) the defensive versatility Davis used to show in his younger days. AD has almost taken as many midrange shots as Stew has taken threes, yet Stew has played in more than twice the games.

All this to say, Anthony Davis is another player that operates inside-the-arc if he’s available in the first place, and that’s not what this team needs. You have a better fitting player already on the roster at 30% of the cost. Trading for AD would hamper this team’s future.

Go Stones.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/pistons-rumors/48592/trading-for-anthony-davis-is-a-terrible-idea

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Submit your questions for The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast

Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @blakesilverman.

Join us live on Sunday morning for the show where we’ll discuss the Pistons’ week of games. Is there any way trading for Anthony Davis is a good idea? Any other trade candidates you’d rather target? How can the Pistons capitalize after the short break?

Plus, The Pindown has a phone line where you can leave a message and hear your voice on the show. Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message around 45 seconds or less so we can fit everyone into the show.

The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms the following morning.

The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:​

When: Sunday December 14 at 11 a.m. ET

Where: Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel

How to submit questions:

• Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.
• Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message to 45 seconds or less.
• Twitter: @detroitbadboys, @blakesilverman or @therealwesd3
• YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — Subscribe here

As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...ons-for-the-pindown-a-detroit-pistons-podcast

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Detroit Pistons Quarter-Season Report Card

With a much-needed short rest ahead as the next rounds of the NBA Cup get underway, it’s a perfect time to evaluate the performances across the Detroit Pistons’ roster.

To preface: it’s hard to be overly critical of nearly anyone who has played significant minutes. Almost the entire Detroit roster has come close to or outperformed preseason expectations, and because the team has surpassed those expectations as a whole, many players have exceeded them individually as well. Maybe we’ll revisit things around the All-Star break depending on how the team trends, but for now, let’s dive in.

Incomplete grade:​

G Jaden Ivey, C Isaac Jones, F Bobi Klintman, G Chaz Lanier, F Wendell Moore Jr., G Marcus Sasser, F Tolu Smith

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Cade Cunningham — B+​

Cunningham continues rising toward the ceiling envisioned when Detroit drafted him first overall in 2021. While last year’s leap into an All-NBA-caliber player was larger than the step he’s taken this season, his stability as a playmaker and leader remains foundational. A grade this “low” for Detroit’s best player just indicates grading on the Cade Curve — he’s been awesome, but it feels like there is still so much growth ahead of him. His consistency has driven Detroit’s success, solidifying his status as the franchise’s superstar. The horizon with him remains equal parts exciting and tantalizing.

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Jalen Duren — A+​

In terms of year-to-year improvement, Duren may be the single biggest reason behind Detroit’s meteoric rise. At just 22 years old, he’s averaging 18.5 points and 11.5 rebounds, often asserting himself as the most physically dominant presence on the floor. His growing chemistry with Cunningham is trending toward elite-duo status, and his sustained success should continue well into the future—along with a significant payday this offseason.

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Javonte Green — A-​

Green was a big contributor during Detroit’s 13-game win streak when the roster was banged up. A seasoned NBA journeyman, he has fit exceptionally well into the culture and system Bickerstaff has established. His role will shrink as the team gets healthier, but he remains a reliable defender, energy piece, and off-ball threat whenever called upon.

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Tobias Harris — B-​

The “unc” of the roster has been a welcomed presence in his second Detroit stint. His leadership and composure buoy the team’s chemistry. On the floor, injuries, rare for Harris, have disrupted his rhythm. That lack of flow has made this season a bit more uneven offensively compared to last year. Still, Harris understands his role, and his scoring punch—when available—is a key ingredient in Detroit’s success.

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Ronald Holland II — B–​

Holland plays his role well, but given his Summer League flashes, you’d maybe hope for a bit more offensively so far. Still, he’s only 20. His energy, effort, and tenacity already serve him well, and if he can progress as a shooter and playmaker, it could meaningfully elevate Detroit’s ceiling.

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Dannis Jenkins — A​

One of the best stories in the league. Jenkins, undrafted and barely making the roster, seized his early-season opportunity and may have cemented a lasting role. During November’s stretch of injuries, he averaged 20.2 points and 7.6 assists over five games, helping keep the Pistons’ streak alive. With Ivey returning, his role may shift, but he’s earned real trust on this team.

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Caris LeVert — B-​

It took LeVert some time to settle into this team’s identity, but his importance as a steady scorer is now clear. He’s averaging 9.3 points—his lowest since his rookie year—but shooting a career-best 41.9% from three across 16 games. His role may fluctuate based on Ivey’s minutes, but efficiency and a strong veteran presence will keep him on the floor.

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Paul Reed — B+​

A fan favorite, and he embraces it. Reed’s strong playoff showing last spring earned him a new contract, and he’s been consistently productive in his bench role this year. His activity, defensive versatility, and energy continue to make him an ideal fit for this roster and that’s all carried over to this season as a reserve big man.

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Duncan Robinson — B+​

Detroit has gotten exactly what it expected from Robinson as a replacement for last year’s lost shooting. His transition from Miami’s famed “Heat Culture” to Bickerstaff’s environment has been seamless. With production mirroring his career norms, Robinson’s role may decrease slightly with Ivey’s return, but he remains a valuable, reliable floor spacer.

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Isaiah Stewart — B+​

Stewart is arguably the heart and soul of the team, and his impact on both ends remains vital. His biggest leap has been shooting—he’s knocking down 41.2% from three across 21 games. If that holds, Detroit gains enormous lineup flexibility, allowing Stewart and Duren to play together more often, which has already been effective. The team has a +13.2 net rating in the 167 minutes when both big men have shared the floor this season.

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Ausar Thompson — B​

The offensive jump some hoped for hasn’t quite materialized, though he appears more confident with the ball. Thompson’s shooting progress remains limited, especially from deep, but the Pistons don’t need him to be a strong perimeter threat yet. His defensive ability and all-around impact continue to be elite for a player his age, and that foundation has held steady year over year.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/general/48598/detroit-pistons-quarter-season-report-card

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs. Hawks final score: Detroit delivers most complete game of season in rout

I don’t know what they did, but the Detroit Pistons certainly used their six days off wisely as they came out focused, energized, and ferocious in a 142-115 rout of the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena.

No player reached 25 minutes of playing time, no player took more than 10 shots, and all 13 players who saw the floor scored for the Pistons.

Detroit was led by Isaiah Stewart, which I feel like must only happen on a night when the Pistons are clicking. He scored 17 points, hit a 3-pointer, had five rebounds and five assists. Cade Cunningham had 15 points and seven assists on the night. The only blemish on Detroit’s ledger was that Cunningham left the game, favoring his bicep after a hard foul midway through the third quarter, and never returned.

There has been no official word, but at the point Detroit was already up 21 and finished the quarter up 25 so the fact he didn’t return likely had as much to do with the blowout as any physical issue.

The game started out like a heavyweight fight between two big-time fighters, with both sides playing hard on the defensive end, and executing at a high level and hitting tough shots on offense. There were 13 lead changes in the first quarter and Detroit was up just one, 34-33.

The Pistons continued playing hard for three quarters. The Hawks didn’t. It was Detroit’s most complete game of the season.

Actually, saying Detroit played hard doesn’t really do their performance justice. They played with a focus and intensity we’ve rarely seen this season, and that is saying something about a team that entered the night 19-5 whose calling card is defense and tenacity.

They were pushing the ball down the floor, cutting to the basket, driving to the rim, and creating opportunities for themselves and others. On defense, they were creating chaos. Defensive communication was in top form; they were switching, hedging, and disrupting passing lanes. Detroit had 16 steals on the night and turned them into 30 fastbreak points. They also had a 72-50 advantage in the paint.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 22 points, and Jalen Johnson had his third consecutive triple-double, setting a franchise record for the Hawks.

It was such a significant blowout that it created some space to give Jaden Ivey the ball a little more, and he is looking just a bit more comfortable every time out on the floor. He’s still got a ways to go, but he’s figuring out how to score with what his body is able to deliver as he continues ramping up. He scored 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

Marcus Sasser scored his first points of the season for the Pistons after missing the team’s first 23 games with a hip injury. He hit all three of his shots, starting with a stepback 3 and hitting a couple of tough shots in the lane. I’m not sure what Sasser’s avenue for playing time is with so many Pistons playing so well, but there will come a time when they are in desperate need of his scoring chops, so it was good to see him get some run.

Detroit plays its next eight out of 10 games on the road, including a trip to Boston on Monday. After that, it will be six consecutive games against teams with losing records, including five of those on the road. It could be a big stretch for the Pistons. Let’s hope they stay as locked in as they were tonight.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...delivers-most-complete-game-of-season-in-rout

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs. Hawks Discussion: Detroit plays basketball again!

Maybe because it’s been such a welcome relief to not think about the Detroit Pistons for most of the last decade (or two), I never really noticed just how much of a break the NBA Cup represents. Now that the Pistons are good, I have been going through serious withdrawal.

Not only are the Pistons good, but there are so many intriguing questions that have cropped up as the roster has gotten healthier. Mind you, I’m probably not on the high end of believers in this team as currently constructed — I see some major flaws in the offensive design that will inevitably rear their head against top competition. But even those flaws can be addressed with how much flexibility the Pistons have with the assets they can bundle toward an additional piece or two.

But changes, if any, aren’t happening tonight. Tonight, the Pistons have their cleanest injury report of the season — only Isaac Jones is out with a knee sprain, while several youngins are on G-League assignments. They face the Atlanta Hawks, who are led by a cadre of developing talents in Jalen Johnson, Onyeka, Okongwu, Dyson Daniels, and Zacccharie Risacher, who all clock in at 25 or younger.

Game Vitals​

When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit, NBA TV
Odds: Pistons -6.5

Analysis​

Since we’ve been so game-light, I’ll add a mini preview to the game tonight. While the Pistons were on a bit of a roll leading into this NBA Cup-induced layoff, winning four of its past five games, it felt like the break was very much needed.

It felt like the minor scrapes and bruises and tweaks were adding up on several guys, and the two most important — Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren — seemed like they could use a bit of a mental reset. Both just seemed a bit off, even as they were doing some special things on the court.

Duren’s explosive moves regressed from nuclear to TNT level and Cunningham seemed like he was experiencing some dead legs that were leading to an increase of mental mistakes. In Detroit’s past 10 games, they rank 29th in the NBA with 17.2 turnovers per game. That is three more than the 10 games prior to that when the Pistons were 10th in turnover rate.

The Pistons have been playing a dangerous game with several opponents. The broadcast likes to herald this as a gritty ability to eke out a win when the margin is within 10 points, but the worrier in me sees a bit of fools gold in Detroit’s performance. They have the second-most wins in the NBA at 19-5, but only the sixth-best net rating at +5.4 per 100 possessions. To be clear, it is still amazing that the Pistons are a top-six team in the NBA, but it feels like they could be even better if they clean up their mistakes.

Atlanta won’t make that easy. They love to force their opponent into mistakes and to capitalize on them for easy scoring opportunities. The Pistons played the Hawks in December, outlasting Atlanta 99-98.

In that game, the Pistons were forced into 23 turnovers, but Cunningham was able to respond in kind. While Cade didn’t have his best offensive game — just 18 points on limited volume — he nabbed six steals and added three blocks. Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker kept the Hawks in the game with 29 and 26 points, respectively. However, the benches really tipped the scales. Detroit got 37 points off the bench, including great games from CAris LeVert, Ron Holland, and Isaiah Stewart. Atlanta, meanwhile, had just nine bench points from four players.

Projected Lineup​

Detroit Pistons (19-5)​

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Atlanta Hawks (14-11)​

Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu

Question of the Game​

Would a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Atlanta Hawks (that doesn’t cost them Jalen Johnson) make them the best team in the Eastern Conference?

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...wks-discussion-detroit-plays-basketball-again

 

[Detroit Pistons]

The Pindown: Back from Break!

The Pistons are back! And they delivered an absolutely dominant win against a strong Atlanta Hawks team on Friday night. Blake and Wes use that win to discuss the bigger picture — are the Pistons really this good? Sitting at 20-5, this team is legit, and the guys break down why. They discuss the team’s great depth, why it’s a good thing that good players won’t likely find many minutes. They also break down what we’ve seen out of the first 10 games of Jaden Ivey, injuries and the NBA Cup schedule implications, and they name a skill from a former Piston that each would like to see imparted on Duren’s game.

We’ve got you covered for all this and more in this week’s episode!

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Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detroit-pistons-podcasts/48621/the-pindown-back-from-break

 

[Detroit Pistons]

Pistons vs. Celtics final score: Cade, Detroit bench power victory

The Detroit Pistons came into TD Garden as losers of eight straight against the Boston Celtics on their home floor. But these Pistons aren’t the Pistons of that nearly five-year stretch. Tonight, Cade Cunningham and a cadre of bench players powered the Pistons to a 112-105 run.

Cunningham had everything working against the Celtics, including his not-usually-reliable three-ball. Cunningham had 32 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds, and hit six of his 10 three-point attempts.

If not Cunningham, the big stars of this game were Detroit’s bench players. They combined for 47 points to just 14 for Boston. Isaiah Stewart delivered stout paint defense on a night when Jalen Duren was off, Caris LeVert and Javonte Green combined for 21 points on 14 shots, Ron Holland caused havoc, and Jaden Ivey played well when Detroit relied on him to spell Cunningham, who struggled with fouls, during critical stretches.

As predicted in the game thread, the game was going to be defined by what the Celtics could do from the three-point line. It didn’t start out pretty.

Boston hit five of its first 11 attempts and led by as many as 12 early in the second quarter. The hit five attempts the remainder of the game, missing 28. The Pistons not only won the three-point battle (36% to 25%), they won the turnover battle (10 to 12), on the boards (59 to 49), and second-chance points (16 to eight).

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 34 points. He got to the line 14 times (to just four for Cade, but I digress), but he missed seven free throws, including a couple of critical ones in the fourth quarter when the game was in question.

Derrick White scored 31 points, and he really had his floater game going against Detroit. He hit a couple late threes, trying to will the Celtics back into the game, but it was too little, too late. Besides those two, who are capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor, the Celtics had a grand total of 17 two-point basket attempts. Five from rim-running big man Neemias Queta, six from Payton Pritchard, and four from Anfernee Simons.

Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, Josh Minott, Sam Hauser, and Baylor Scheierman played 63 combined minutes and had two two-point attempts. They were a combined 2-of-9 from three.

The Pistons move their record to 21-5, and their next six games are against the Mavericks, Hornets, Blazers, Kings, Jazz, and Clippers.

Source: https://www.detroitbadboys.com/detr...-final-score-cade-detroit-bench-power-victory