DETROIT — Cade Cunningham showcased his star power on Tuesday night, leading the Detroit Pistons to a decisive 123-103 victory over the Washington Wizards, who find themselves struggling at the bottom of the NBA standings.
With 27 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, Cunningham's all-around performance was instrumental as the Pistons improved to 37-29 overall, cementing their position within the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The contest was not merely about the score; it also featured notable aggressive gameplay, culminating in two flagrant fouls for the Wizards.
The game began with tension evident on the court, as Detroit closed the first quarter with a strong 29-15 run, establishing a 14-point lead. Malik Beasley’s early second-quarter three-pointer extended the margin to 18, underscoring the Pistons' offensive prowess. The Wizards managed to cut the lead down to eight points late in the second quarter with an 11-2 run, but Detroit responded effectively to take a comfortable 17-point lead going to halftime.
Throughout the match, the Pistons' grip never faltered as they maintained double-digit leads for the entirety of the second half. "Any game where we get involved in scuffles adds to our energy because we thrive on emotion,” said Jalen Duren, who contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds. The game’s intensity escalated when Richaun Holmes of the Wizards was ejected for elbowing Ausar Thompson. This incident was part of several altercations, showcasing the physical nature of the matchup.
Washington's Marcus Smart was also flagged for his aggressive play, receiving a flagrant-1 foul for elbowing Tim Hardaway Jr. Late-game frustrations were palpable as both teams clashed on the court for control. The Wizards, who applied pressure during parts of the game, struggled consistently with their shooting, finishing at just 40.2% from the field, significantly hampered by Detroit's defensive efforts.
Despite this setback, the Wizards found individual bright spots. Smart led the team with 16 points, and rookie Bub Carrington added 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting. Coach Brian Keefe reflected on his team's struggles post-game, emphasizing, “Our rebounding was again an issue tonight for sure. It’s us as a collective unit just not finishing possessions.” This game marked another chapter in the struggles of the Wizards, now sporting a disappointing record of 13-51.
The rebounding battle was stark, with the Pistons outperforming the Wizards on the glass by 14. Key players for Detroit contributed to this aspect, with Duren’s efforts proving particularly valuable. The Pistons’ improved shooting from the three-point range helped to seal the victory, converting on 16 of their 38 attempts (42.1%). This was a welcome turnaround for Detroit's long-range shooting, which had struggled during recent games.
Indeed, the Pistons experienced fluctuations with their shooting consistency earlier this season, but the players were optimistic after the game. Bickerstaff noted, “We want him confident and we want him to continue to shoot it when he’s open, because we know he’s capable of getting hot.” With contributions from Beasley, who hit four of six attempts from beyond the arc, and Hardaway, who made three of seven, the Pistons displayed offensive depth.
The coaching staff has remained committed to bolstering player confidence throughout the season, and performances like these rejuvenate not only the team’s morale but also the fan base. Holt, coming off the bench, provided energy, finishing with eight points and five rebounds and making impactful plays on both ends of the court.
The meetings between these two teams are not over just yet; they are set to clash again on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons will look to maintain their momentum, widely regarded as contenders for the playoff spots, whereas the Wizards will continue searching for coherence and direction as they navigate their rebuilding phase.
For the Pistons, this victory serves as both validation of their efforts and motivation to keep improving as they aim for playoff success. Meanwhile, the Wizards, led by Smart and Middleton, must regroup and find ways to turn their season around as they prepare for their next encounter. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see if the Wizards can rise to the occasion as they face off against Detroit once again.