Detroit Pistons Determined to Stay Sharp as Playoffs Near
The Detroit Pistons are firmly on track to secure the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, but head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is ensuring his team doesn’t coast through the final four games of the regular season. His aim is to keep the team focused and ready for the playoffs, likely setting the stage for an exciting first-round clash with the New York Knicks.
An interconference showdown against the up-and-coming Sacramento Kings allowed Bickerstaff to test his playoff approach against a hopeful Western Conference team still battling for a spot beyond the play-ins. The playoff-like atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday night was evidence that the Pistons still have room for growth, as they suffered a 127-117 defeat.
“Consistency is vital for us,” Bickerstaff emphasized. “That doesn’t mean other players won’t have their chances. Right now, our focus is sharp clarity on understanding our identity, our system, and what our rotations might look like.”
The loss lowered the Pistons’ record to 43-36 overall. This game also wrapped up their matchups against Western Conference teams for the season, ending with a balanced 15-15 record.
“Our goal is to win these games,” Bickerstaff continued, “We want to make sure we are stepping up confidently for the playoffs by putting our players in the best position to succeed.”
The Pistons had a more promising start compared to their lackluster showing in Saturday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Tim Hardaway Jr. fired up the team early, dropping 14 of his 17 points in the first half, helping his team take a 72-62 lead at halftime.
Hardaway was among four players who tallied double-digit points in the first half; Ausar Thompson contributed 12 points, finishing the game with 15 points, five assists, and two steals. Thompson’s performance has been on an upswing, averaging 15.3 points on 50% shooting prior to this game.
Despite building an 18-point advantage (66-48) late in the second quarter, the Kings rallied back. DeMar DeRozan guided Sacramento with a 37-point game, while Zach LaVine was pivotal in the comeback.
LaVine scored 13 points in the third quarter alone, pushing the Kings to win the period 35-22, and seizing a 97-94 lead. He recorded a game-high 43 points, nailing 16-of-28 shots, including 8-of-11 from beyond the arc. From late in the third to early in the fourth, LaVine added 16 straight points for Sacramento.
Cade Cunningham responded with his own second-half scoring surge, amassing 11 points in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to halt the Pistons’ second straight loss. Playing his second game since recovering from a calf injury, Cunningham finished with an impressive 35 points, 25 of which came in the second half.
The Pistons found themselves trailing by three (113-110) with six minutes left. Ron Holland’s driving layup narrowed the gap to one, but DeRozan’s mid-range jumper soon after halted Detroit’s momentum. Domantas Sabonis further boosted the Kings with a triple-double, scoring 19 points, collecting 15 rebounds, and delivering 10 assists.
Observations and notes vs. Kings
J.D. returns: Jalen Duren rejoined the lineup, having missed the prior game due to a right peroneal contusion.
A solid night from the bench: Despite the defeat, Detroit’s bench outperformed Sacramento’s reserves, scoring 37-19 in bench points.
Tobias Harris injury update: Tobias Harris’ absence against the Kings marked his fifth missed game in two weeks due to an Achilles injury. Bickerstaff shared before the game that Harris is “getting better” and emphasized the importance of ensuring he’s fully ready.
“For someone who has played as extensively as he has, Tobias understands what his body needs,” Bickerstaff noted. “We have confidence in his recovery process and he’s making progress.”
Up next
The Pistons continue their four-game homestand with a preview of the playoffs against the New York Knicks on Thursday night. This game kicks off a back-to-back, wrapping up on Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tip-off between the Knicks and Pistons at Little Caesars Arena is set for 7 p.m.