DALLAS (AP) — The Detroit Pistons closed their road trip with a disappointing 123-117 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on March 21, 2025. The defeat, which dropped the Pistons to a 2-1 record on the trip, showcased key performances from both teams and left Detroit with lingering questions about their defensive strategy.
Leading the Pistons was Cade Cunningham, who delivered a stellar performance, scoring a game-high 35 points while contributing seven rebounds and six assists. This game marked Cunningham's long-awaited debut in Dallas, as the Arlington, Texas native finally faced the Mavericks at home, much to the excitement of his family and friends in attendance. Unfortunately for the Pistons, Cunningham's impressive outing wasn't enough to secure a victory.
While Cunningham shined, the game's narratives also revolved around Tim Hardaway Jr., who had previously spent over five seasons with the Mavericks before being traded to Detroit last summer. Hardaway was honored with a video tribute during the first quarter, a testament to his impact on the franchise. However, his return took a painful turn when he exited the game midway through the second quarter due to a right ankle sprain after stepping on the foot of P.J. Washington Jr. Hardaway left the court visibly in pain and was later declared out for the remainder of the game.
Despite forcing 20 turnovers, the Pistons struggled to express their fast-paced offensive game, finishing with only six fast-break points. "They did a pretty good job defending us in terms of transition," remarked Pistons' Isaiah Stewart. "We know defensively we love to use our defense to lead into transition buckets. We didn’t do that tonight, and that hurt us as well." The Pistons, who are known for averaging 19.4 fast-break points, were notably stifled by the Mavericks' defense.
For the Mavericks, the night was characterized by an offensive resurgence led by Spencer Dinwiddie, who scored a season-high 31 points, including crucial free throws that bolstered the team's lead late in the game. P.J. Washington added 27 points to the scoreboard, helping the Mavericks snap a four-game losing streak. Dinwiddie's proficient free-throw shooting—11 of 13 from the line—proved instrumental as Dallas capitalized on its opportunities, going 27 for 36 from the charity stripe against Detroit's 14 for 19.
As the game unfolded, it became clear that the Pistons' halfcourt offense struggled against a weakened Mavericks team, missing stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. J.B. Bickerstaff lamented, "We just didn’t do the job defensively that we’re capable of, and that’s what it came down to." He expressed disappointment over allowing the Mavericks to score easily at the rim and grab crucial offensive rebounds, a void created by the combined pressures of defensive lapses and missing players.
The Pistons' performance would have been stronger in the post, but efforts from Malik Beasley and Jalen Duren only partially filled the gap. Beasley scored 16 points, hitting five three-pointers, while Duren contributed 14 points and eight rebounds. Despite a few last-minute efforts to close the gap—Cunningham connecting on a pair of shots to reduce the Mavericks' lead to just three points, 118-115—the Pistons could not convert opportunities on the floor.
The Mavericks, now able to rejoice in their victory, utilized all nine eligible players and set a franchise record for using their 39th different starting lineup this season. They aim to build on this win as they battle for a play-in berth after a tough season.
Looking ahead, the Pistons' schedule doesn’t ease up as they prepare to host the New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2025, while the Mavericks head to Brooklyn for their next matchup on March 24, 2025. For the Pistons, the focus will be on regrouping, improving their defensive game, and hoping for a speedy recovery for Hardaway, who has been a consistent performer this season.
As the season races toward its conclusion, every game becomes pivotal, particularly with the playoffs looming. The Pistons currently sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with an overall record of 39-32, just a game behind the fifth-place Milwaukee Bucks and firmly ahead of the ninth-place Atlanta Hawks.
