The Detroit Pistons suffered a gut-wrenching loss to the Atlanta Hawks, with Trae Young hitting a game-winning shot and stepping over Malik Beasley. Despite the disappointing outcome, the Pistons had some bright spots, particularly in the performances of Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.
Detroit struggled defensively, especially in the first half. The Hawks scored 34 points in the first quarter and 39 in the second, putting the Pistons in a deep hole. Our inability to contain Trae Young was a significant factor, as he finished with 34 points and 9 assists on efficient shooting.
Cade Cunningham started slowly but turned it on in the fourth quarter, ending with 30 points and 14 assists. However, his struggles in the first three quarters contributed to the team’s overall difficulties. The Pistons’ defense was not up to par, allowing the Hawks to get into a rhythm early and maintain it throughout the game.
Ausar Thompson’s Impressive Showing
One of the most encouraging aspects of the game was Ausar Thompson’s performance. In 25 minutes of play, Thompson looked like he had regained his stamina, showcasing the energy and impact that made him such an intriguing prospect. He was all over the court, making plays on both ends and filling the stat sheet.
Thompson’s aggressiveness as a driver and secondary ball-handler was particularly noteworthy. He got to the basket at will, drawing six free throws and finishing with 13 points on efficient shooting. His ability to push the pace in transition and create for others fully demonstrated why the Pistons drafted him fifth overall.
Jalen Duren’s Defensive Flashes
While Jalen Duren has been impressive offensively in recent games, his defensive plays in the fourth quarter caught my eye. He had multiple impactful possessions, including a crucial block at the rim and an excellent pick-and-roll defense against Trae Young. These moments showcased Duren’s potential as a two-way force and highlighted his progress on the defensive end.
The loss drops the Pistons to .500, and a tough matchup against Cleveland is looming. Despite the setback, Thompson and Duren’s flashes provide hope for the future. If we can address our issues with bench scoring and find more consistent defensive effort, this team can potentially compete for a playoff spot.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ performance against the Hawks, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• Analysis of the final plays and coaching decisions
• The ongoing struggle with non-Cade minutes
• The need for additional shot creation off the bench
