The Detroit Pistons struggled in their last two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs mainly because of a mix of offensive issues, tough matchups, and key moments not going their way. Against Cleveland, the biggest factor was Cade Cunningham having an off shooting night. He only scored 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting. Even though he had 14 assists, Detroit’s offense relies heavily on him to create scoring pressure, so when he isn’t efficient it slows the whole offense down. Cleveland also played great team basketball and had balanced scoring from multiple players like Evan Mobley, Dennis Schröder, and James Harden, which made it hard for Detroit’s defense to focus on stopping one star. The Pistons also had chances late in the game but missed key shots and couldn’t close it out.
The Spurs game was more about matchup problems, especially with Victor Wembanyama. He completely dominated with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Detroit usually likes attacking the paint and playing through Jalen Duren, but Wembanyama’s rim protection made that extremely difficult. Every time the Pistons tried to drive inside they had to deal with his length, which forced tougher jump shots. On top of that, De'Aaron Fox added 29 points for San Antonio, giving them a dangerous inside-outside combo that stretched Detroit’s defense. The Spurs also started the game strong and built an early lead, which forced Detroit to play from behind most of the night. Losing Ausar Thompson to an ankle injury during the game also hurt their defense and rotation.
Overall, it wasn’t just one thing. The Pistons dealt with a cold night from their main scorer, great team offense from Cleveland, a tough superstar matchup with Wembanyama, and some unfortunate timing with injuries. Even good teams have games like this, and these losses mostly show the areas Detroit still needs to adjust if they want to stay consistent against elite teams. 🏀
The last thing we need is the Pistons having a GM acting like Holmes. 😒 When he had tbe opportunity to add some more depth before trade deadline he took no action like "we're good."
I love this team, but the flaws have been obvious for those of us watching since day 1. Yes Jalen Duren's maturation into an All-Star is great, but a lot of that is pending on Cade's success. They are the #1 lob threat in the league, a lot of JD's offense is generated through Cade…. And there lies our problem. When Cade is having a bad night, the team is having a bad night, and you can't win a 7 game series with that structure. At least, not against a competitive team.
Our spacing is also terrible. We didn't force Wemby out of the paint AT ALL. And I'm going to be honest, i know Ausar didnt really play last night, but when him and Ron are on the floor together our spacing dies and so does the flow of the offence. Ausar, and Ron desperately need to raise the FG%, and we need another wing scorer in order for this team to get over the hump.
WhaddUPDoe Everything 👑, I am with you on most situations you comment about and I'm still wondering why Trajan Langdon didn't acquire SG Coby White instead of me watching Coby come off the bench in Charlotte 🤔😡
The turnovers were careless last night. We don’t have another scorer to help with Cade. Caris is out there basically getting cardio. Kevin looked comfortable for the first time in a pistons jersey. Duren picked up those careless fouls. I kept yelling like put Bball Paul in. Him and Kevin got into the game and they chipped away at the lead a little bit. Stew started to warm up. JB pulled him. I’m noticing little things about JB and his rotations that are annoying. I kept telling one of my boys that it’s going to get rough when the playoffs come. He’s naive and I’m brutal and honest just like you 😂😂😂
Terrible game! The Pistons don’t have a secondary scorer and turnovers hurt them. If Cade struggles in the playoffs and has an off game and other players around him struggle, what then? Daniss Jenkins stopped being good as soon as he got that contract and we need more from him. On top of that Ausar Thompson got injured and they don’t have enough to get far in the playoffs!
No they are not struggling, even tho the Piston have not been on there best the last 3 games but Pistons are still #1 seed … Some point of time they do need to get back on track and Apil 1st. I would expected the Pistons to rest their staters until Playoffs….THERE YOU HAE IT
17 Comments
The Detroit Pistons struggled in their last two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs mainly because of a mix of offensive issues, tough matchups, and key moments not going their way. Against Cleveland, the biggest factor was Cade Cunningham having an off shooting night. He only scored 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting. Even though he had 14 assists, Detroit’s offense relies heavily on him to create scoring pressure, so when he isn’t efficient it slows the whole offense down. Cleveland also played great team basketball and had balanced scoring from multiple players like Evan Mobley, Dennis Schröder, and James Harden, which made it hard for Detroit’s defense to focus on stopping one star. The Pistons also had chances late in the game but missed key shots and couldn’t close it out.
The Spurs game was more about matchup problems, especially with Victor Wembanyama. He completely dominated with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Detroit usually likes attacking the paint and playing through Jalen Duren, but Wembanyama’s rim protection made that extremely difficult. Every time the Pistons tried to drive inside they had to deal with his length, which forced tougher jump shots. On top of that, De'Aaron Fox added 29 points for San Antonio, giving them a dangerous inside-outside combo that stretched Detroit’s defense. The Spurs also started the game strong and built an early lead, which forced Detroit to play from behind most of the night. Losing Ausar Thompson to an ankle injury during the game also hurt their defense and rotation.
Overall, it wasn’t just one thing. The Pistons dealt with a cold night from their main scorer, great team offense from Cleveland, a tough superstar matchup with Wembanyama, and some unfortunate timing with injuries. Even good teams have games like this, and these losses mostly show the areas Detroit still needs to adjust if they want to stay consistent against elite teams. 🏀
The last thing we need is the Pistons having a GM acting like Holmes. 😒 When he had tbe opportunity to add some more depth before trade deadline he took no action like "we're good."
I love this team, but the flaws have been obvious for those of us watching since day 1. Yes Jalen Duren's maturation into an All-Star is great, but a lot of that is pending on Cade's success. They are the #1 lob threat in the league, a lot of JD's offense is generated through Cade…. And there lies our problem. When Cade is having a bad night, the team is having a bad night, and you can't win a 7 game series with that structure. At least, not against a competitive team.
Our spacing is also terrible. We didn't force Wemby out of the paint AT ALL. And I'm going to be honest, i know Ausar didnt really play last night, but when him and Ron are on the floor together our spacing dies and so does the flow of the offence. Ausar, and Ron desperately need to raise the FG%, and we need another wing scorer in order for this team to get over the hump.
WhaddUPDoe Everything 👑, I am with you on most situations you comment about and I'm still wondering why Trajan Langdon didn't acquire SG Coby White instead of me watching Coby come off the bench in Charlotte 🤔😡
The flopping was egregious.
The turnovers were careless last night. We don’t have another scorer to help with Cade. Caris is out there basically getting cardio. Kevin looked comfortable for the first time in a pistons jersey. Duren picked up those careless fouls. I kept yelling like put Bball Paul in. Him and Kevin got into the game and they chipped away at the lead a little bit. Stew started to warm up. JB pulled him. I’m noticing little things about JB and his rotations that are annoying. I kept telling one of my boys that it’s going to get rough when the playoffs come. He’s naive and I’m brutal and honest just like you 😂😂😂
They're not struggling, they are just not as good as Celtics,Cavs, Spurs .
Terrible game! The Pistons don’t have a secondary scorer and turnovers hurt them. If Cade struggles in the playoffs and has an off game and other players around him struggle, what then? Daniss Jenkins stopped being good as soon as he got that contract and we need more from him. On top of that Ausar Thompson got injured and they don’t have enough to get far in the playoffs!
We need Corey Joseph back to replace Daniss Jenkins
Good points. Jenkins has really let us down, I thought he was Ish Smith 2.0. I'm still holding out 😅.
All true
Cade needs to lean into drawing fouls more. Huerter needs to be in the rotation over levert. Jenkins has been badddd lately
Man we’re good, but just not good enough. Idk what’s up with Detroit GMs… it’s always the same situation at the deadline..
No they are not struggling, even tho the Piston have not been on there best the last 3 games but Pistons are still #1 seed … Some point of time they do need to get back on track and Apil 1st. I would expected the Pistons to rest their staters until Playoffs….THERE YOU HAE IT
Jenkins trick us lol dude was playing his ass off until he got paid now he’s playing like a g league player I hope he turns it around tho
Cade is tired and overworked
Glad someone else said it. I get crushed on Twitter when I say it. #Salute #King