The Detroit Pistons have been on a tear in January, posting an impressive 8-3 record and showcasing significant improvements on both ends of the court. This resurgence comes despite the absence of Jaden Ivey, highlighting the team’s resilience and adaptability.
At the heart of this success is Cade Cunningham, who has stepped up in a big way. This month, Cunningham is averaging an impressive 25.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, while shooting over 40% from three-point range. His performance against the Houston Rockets was particularly noteworthy, with a dominant third quarter that saw him go 7-of-8 from the field and 3-of-3 from deep, scoring 19 points.
The Pistons’ defensive improvements have been equally impressive. In January, they boast the fourth-best defensive rating in the NBA at 108.4. This uptick can be partly attributed to the increased playing time of Ausar Thompson, who has started seven of the nine games he’s played this month. When Thompson is on the floor, the Pistons’ defensive rating improves to 107.
Offensively, the team has managed to maintain a respectable 16th-best offense in the league, despite losing their second-best ball-handler in Ivey. This balance between an improved defense and a steady offense has been the recipe for their recent success.
One area of concern remains the team’s performance when Cunningham is off the floor. Without another reliable playmaker, the offense often stagnates, relying heavily on perimeter shooting and struggling to create paint touches. This issue becomes particularly evident against teams that employ aggressive defensive strategies against Cunningham, such as double-teaming and trapping.
Looking ahead, the sustainability of this success will depend on how the Pistons adapt to these defensive strategies and whether they can maintain their defensive intensity. The partnership between Jalen Duren and Thompson on the floor has shown promise, with a positive net rating in January.
As the Pistons continue to build on this momentum, they’re proving they’re not just a team for the future, but one that can compete now. The development of Cunningham into a true franchise player, strategic roster moves, and improved team chemistry have breathed new life into the franchise.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ January resurgence, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• Jalen Duren’s standout performance against the Houston Rockets
• Comparing the current state of the Pistons and Rockets rebuilds
• The impact of Ausar Thompson on the Pistons’ defense
