The Detroit Pistons took a quick road trip to Cleveland in hopes they could use The Casey Effect for JB Bickerstaff in his first matchup with his former team. There were 11 lead changes in the first half as both teams battled, but a Cavs 17-7 run late in the second quarter had the Pistons down 10 with a halftime score of 55-65.
They battled back to bring it within four with 2:21 left in the third quarter. After Dean Wade hit back-to-back triples, the Pistons were down 14 halfway through the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach. Wade seemed to be open the entire game, unfortunately.
The starting backcourt of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey combined for 55 points on 22-for-40 from the field. Cade’s nine turnovers were an issue, as were the team’s 22 total turnovers. He made plenty of questionable decisions tonight and needs to tighten up his handle. Monty Williams’ Pistons averaged 15 turnovers per game so you know the team had a rough night.
I thought Ivey had a fantastic game. I thought he did a great job finishing through contact tonight and also got to the free throw line for six attempts. They both flashed the potential Pistons fans hope to see in their possible backcourt of the future.
Both Duren and Stew struggled with foul trouble, but they again had limited shot attempts and are struggling to find a way to make a stronger impact on offense – Stew didn’t have a shot attempt in 11 minutes, but the two great blocks he had at the rim continue to show he’s the team’s best rim protector.
The defensive issues carried on from the second half of the game against the Pacers as the Pistons struggled to defend on the perimeter. The Cavaliers shot 51% from the field and 38% from deep behind Dean Wade’s five three-point makes. This team desperately misses Ausar Thompson.
The Pistons play again tomorrow night against the Boston Celtics back home in Detroit. The great Ted Lasso once said: “Be a goldfish, Sam” – let’s hope the Pistons can be goldfish as they prepare for the defending NBA champions.