Cade Cunningham Finds His Form in Detroit
DETROIT (AP) — Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ young star, found his rhythm just when his team needed him most. After a disappointing performance on Friday where he scored a season-low 11 points in a 134-119 loss to Denver, Cunningham bounced back in a big way, contributing 15 points to Detroit’s 115-94 victory over the Nets on Saturday night. The fourth quarter was particularly crucial for Cunningham, as he scored nine of his 15 points, including a three-pointer and two three-point plays, which helped the Pistons pull away and secure the win. Despite a lackluster start, where he managed only six points through the first three quarters, Cunningham’s timely scoring was instrumental in Detroit’s resurgence.
Team Effort Propels Pistons to Victory
The Pistons’ win was a collective effort, with Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Jalen Duren each contributing 18 points. This balanced scoring attack highlighted the team’s resilience and depth. Detroit’s bench also played a significant role, providing crucial support. After their impressive eight-game winning streak was snapped by the Nuggets, the Pistons needed this victory to reassert their momentum. The win was a testament to the team’s ability to stay focused and execute under pressure, especially in the fourth quarter when the Nets tried to make a comeback.
Nets Struggle with Offense and Defense
The Nets, on the other hand, have been struggling with both their offense and defense. They were within six points at the start of the fourth quarter, but a 16-6 run by the Pistons, spearheaded by Cunningham’s six points, widened the gap to 95-81 with 7:33 left. Brooklyn’s starters were particularly ineffective, being outscored 73-47 by Detroit’s starters. Tyrese Martin, a bench player, led the Nets with 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pistons’ dominant performance. The Nets’ recent woes, including their four-game losing streak, were evident in their inability to capitalize on critical moments and maintain consistency throughout the game.
Emotional Return for Killian Hayes
One of the more emotionally charged moments of the game came when former Pistons player Killian Hayes, now with the Nets, took the court. Hayes spent the first four years of his career with Detroit before being waived in February 2024. He signed with the Nets last summer but was waived before the season began, only to rejoin the team on a 10-day contract last week. The crowd’s loud booing was a reflection of the mixed feelings fans had about Hayes, who symbolized the team’s struggles during his tenure, which saw a record of 67-219 (.234). Despite the hostile reception, Hayes’ presence added a layer of complexity to the game, reminding everyone of the volatile nature of professional sports and the emotional ties that players and fans share.
Pistons’ Strong Start Sets the Tone
After a slow start in their recent loss to Denver, the Pistons came out firing against the Nets. Detroit shot an impressive 68.2 percent (15 for 22) from the floor in the first quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 39-22. The Pistons were particularly efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 77.8 percent (7 for 9) of their three-pointers. This strong start was crucial in setting the tone for the game and gave the Pistons a significant early lead. The team’s ability to find their shooting touch early on and maintain it throughout the game was a key factor in their dominant performance.
Key Moments and Statistics
The Pistons’ halftime lead of 68-43 seemed to secure their victory, but they faced a significant challenge in the third quarter. Detroit’s offense struggled, shooting just 26.3 percent (5 for 19) from the floor and missing nine of 10 three-point attempts. They also turned the ball over five times, allowing the Nets to narrow the gap. However, the pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when the Nets missed 14 of their first 16 shots, including all six three-point attempts. This offensive drought allowed the Pistons to regain control and extend their lead, ultimately sealing the win. The Nets’ inability to convert their shots during this crucial stretch highlighted their ongoing struggles and the Pistons’ defensive prowess.
Up Next for Both Teams
With this win, the Pistons look to build on their momentum as they head to Utah on Monday night. The Jazz will be a formidable opponent, and Detroit will need to maintain the level of play they demonstrated against the Nets to secure another victory. Meanwhile, the Nets will aim to break their losing streak when they visit San Antonio on Tuesday. The Spurs, while not in the best form this season, will provide Brooklyn with a chance to regroup and refocus. Both teams have a lot to prove in their next matchups, and the outcomes could be pivotal in shaping their seasons.
