Pistons Dominate Spurs 122-96 Without Star Player Cunningham

On March 25, 2025, the Detroit Pistons secured a commanding 122-96 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, marking their second consecutive win despite playing without star point guard Cade Cunningham, who was sidelined with a left calf contusion. The game was held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, where the Pistons demonstrated remarkable teamwork and resilience.

This latest win saw the Pistons build a substantial lead, especially during a dominating second quarter where they outscored the Spurs 30-12. During this period, the Pistons' defense shone as they held the Spurs without a field goal for over 10 minutes, effectively stifling their offensive efforts and establishing a solid 60-34 lead by halftime. The Pistons' ability to share the scoring load became apparent, as they amassed an impressive 33 assists throughout the game, showcasing their ability to work well together in Cunningham's absence.

The standout player of the night was Marcus Sasser, who scored a career-high 27 points off the bench, hitting 9 of his 12 shots. Sasser's performance was crucial, providing instant offense when the team needed it most. "He hit four of his first five shots and helped build the critical early lead for the Pistons," as reported by the Associated Press. Sasser's transition into an essential role has been seamless since Cunningham went down; he had previously scored 20 points in a prior game against New Orleans, proving his capability as a reliable scorer.

Other key performers for the Pistons included Tobias Harris, who contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, Jalen Duren with 14 points and seven assists, and Ausar Thompson, who finished with 14 points and added six rebounds. Their collective effort helped the Pistons achieve an overall shooting percentage of 56.4%, and a remarkable 15 of 31 from beyond the arc, making it evident that the team has hit a stride.

On the opposing side, the Spurs struggled to find their rhythm. Devin Vassell led his team with 26 points, while rookie Stephon Castle added 19 points, showing flashes of promise despite the lopsided defeat. The Spurs, who were playing without other star players like Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, ultimately fell to 31-40 for the season, reflecting the challenges they have faced throughout the year.

Post-game, Pistons' fans and players alike felt optimism as the team clinched a .500 record for the first time since the 2018-19 season, marking a significant turnaround from last year’s dismal 14-win campaign. With their current record sitting at 41-32, the Pistons are hopeful as they look ahead to matchups against formidable foes. On Friday, they will host the Cleveland Cavaliers, who as of now stand as the top team in the East with a record of 57-14.

The Pistons are also set to embark on a tough road trip following the Cavaliers game, facing both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder in consecutive contests. As they build momentum heading into what could be a crucial end-of-season run, the Pistons aim for their first winning record since 2015-16, as well as an opportunity to make their mark in the playoffs.

Overall, this victory not only solidifies the Pistons’ competitive resurgence but also showcases the depth and skill of a team ready to rise in the NBA ranks. The fans are excited about the direction the franchise is heading as they rally behind a growing roster of young talents and seasoned players driving towards a successful conclusion to the season.