On Tuesday night the Pistons traveled to Denver to take on the Nuggets. Detroit and Denver are two teams going in separate directions. Detroit is having one of its worst seasons in franchise history, and Denver is competing and is tied for second in their division.
This game was back and forth throughout the night. Detroit was able to build leads of at least eight early in the game and as big as 13 with 6:30 minutes to go in the game. However, each time Denver would answer and get back to within a point or two. This proves that the Pistons have work to do with ball control and defense.
Again the Pistons were without Cade Cunningham as he continues to rest his sore shin. However, this game was different than the others he has missed because the bench out scores Denver’s bench 54-12, with Alec Burks scoring 21.
Leading the way for the Pistons starters was Bojan Bogdanovic with 22 and Marvin Bagley III contributed 14. Isiah Livers, again, fails to produce only getting five points and two rebounds.
Pistons – 110
Nuggets – 108
On Wednesday the Pistons were looking to create a winning steak as they looked for their second straight win in Utah. The Jazz are a team only 1.5 games out of first in their division and are more than likely a playoff team and in turn, would be a big win for the Pistons.
Although still missing Cade Cunningham, Detroit started hot right from tip-off. They jumped out to a five-point lead after one and had a 66-54 lead by halftime. The Jazz tried to trim away at the leading and did in the third, outscoring the Pistons by four in the third. However, Detroit was too much for Utah on this night as the Pistons get their second straight road win after getting their first road win of the season in the previous game.
Bojan Bogdanovic led all Pistons with 23 points. Off the bench, Kevin Knox II contributed 21. What was not helpful was Killian Hayes only scoring two points. If Detroit wants to survive in any way while Cade is out they need to different answer than Hayes.
Pistons – 125
Jazz – 116
Friday night Detroit attempted to increase their mini-win streak to three games against the first-place Suns in Phoenix.
The Pistons played the Suns close, however they just could never get ahead. Deandre Aston and Devin Booker combined for 49 points and led the way for the Suns.
Detroit held a one-point lead at the half, 54-53. However, they could not stop the Phoenix offense. The Pistons mini winning steak comes to an end tonight.
Pistons – 102
Suns – 108
Detroit (5-16) has the worst record in the NBA. They are without a doubt not headed in the right direction and it is time to seriously consider firing Dwayne Casey. Until that happens this team cannot and will not move forward.
David Masters