Under the glittering lights of Phoenix, the Detroit Pistons delivered a remarkable performance against the Suns, winning 133-125 on Saturday night. This victory speaks volumes about the Pistons' evolution this season, as they climbed to 12-17, showcasing promise not seen last year when they only managed to win 14 games.
The Pistons opened strong, building a 41-26 lead by the end of the first quarter, capitalizing on the Suns' seven turnovers. Although the Suns made strides to close the gap, thanks to some late-game efforts from Kevin Durant, who scored 43 points, the Pistons maintained their lead throughout the match.
At the heart of Detroit’s success was Cade Cunningham, who scored 28 points and provided 13 assists. He displayed his all-around game, contributing defensively as well, with two steals and two blocks to boot. Jalen Duren supported with 17 points and 11 rebounds, solidifying Detroit's efforts inside the paint.
Postgame, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the Pistons’ physicality, stating, "It feels like they bring a level of physicality to the game. They’re executing both offensively and defensively with intensity." It’s hard to miss the transformation happening within this Pistons squad, which has now won three of their last five games, enhancing their reputation as potential spoilers this season.
Returning from injury, Jaden Ivey gave the Pistons another boost. After resting due to knee inflammation, he not only contributed 20 points but also nearly achieved a triple-double with eight assists and eight rebounds. Cunningham praised his teammate, noting, "We missed the spark he has. He started off with a few offensive rebounds and made great reads throughout the game." Ivey’s energy was palpable, making his presence felt remarkably.
On the other hand, the Suns’ struggles continued. With Devin Booker sidelined due to left groin soreness, the team lacked the necessary firepower and depth to compete consistently. This marked the first game of the season wherein they were without their star, and it certainly showed.
The Suns coughed up the ball 19 times, leading to 34 points for Detroit, underscoring their issues on offense. Their defensive rating has been troubling as well; with 118.5 this December, they rank 27th overall, leaving many to speculate on the team’s direction moving forward.
Despite shooting 62% from the field over the first three quarters, the persistent turnovers proved costly. Coach Budenholzer lamented this aspect postgame, emphasizing how the turnovers disrupted their game plan. Addressing his team's slide, which has now seen them lose 12 of their last 18 games, he remarked, "There's no real excuse for being this sloppy. It’s depressing to watch." Focus shifted toward the motivational aspects of his roster and the structural issues with the team composition.
The game culminated with Malik Beasley hitting a pivotal three-pointer after the Suns had cut the deficit to just three points with under three minutes to play. This shot not only boosted the Pistons but also dampened any hopes of a late-game comeback for Phoenix.
Looking forward, the Pistons will take on the Los Angeles Lakers, aiming to extend their winning ways, likely with Ivey again contributing after his strong return. Meanwhile, the Suns will face the Denver Nuggets, hoping to rectify their defensive frailties and find consistency.
