Ku Khahil here, the host of the daily Locked On Pistons podcast, with your daily Locked On Pistons newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pistons and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Pistons’ Rollercoaster Victory: A Tale of Triumph and Turmoil
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena.
|Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons’ recent clash against the Miami Heat was nothing short of a basketball thriller. Witnessing the Pistons secure a 123-121 victory in overtime was exhilarating, yet it was a game that tested the nerves. The Pistons, who had a nine-point lead with just two minutes left in regulation, found themselves in a precarious position as the Heat forced overtime. Despite the chaos, the Pistons emerged victorious, marking their first win in the in-season tournament after a winless run last year.
A Game of Highs and Lows
The Pistons’ performance was a mix of brilliance and blunders. They started strong, maintaining a lead and showcasing their potential. However, the final minutes of the fourth quarter were marred by turnovers and missed opportunities. Cade Cunningham, a key player, struggled with turnovers, which nearly cost the team the game. Despite these challenges, the Pistons’ defense held firm, preventing the Heat from capitalizing on their mistakes.
Cunningham’s turnovers were a significant talking point. His tendency to gather the ball high during drives made it easier for defenders to disrupt his play. A simple adjustment, such as adopting a low pickup point, could reduce these turnovers and increase his efficiency. This change could also lead to more free throws, as defenders would be more likely to foul him visibly.
The Road Ahead
Despite the nail-biting finish, the Pistons’ victory is a testament to their growth. They showed resilience, a trait that has been lacking in previous seasons. This win places them at 5-7, a promising start compared to last year’s struggles. The Pistons have been competitive in most games this season, a sign of their potential to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Looking forward, the Pistons face a challenging schedule, including a back-to-back game against the Milwaukee Bucks. With key players like Cunningham dealing with back spasms, the team’s depth will be tested. However, this stretch of games presents an opportunity for the Pistons to solidify their position and build momentum.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
- Analysis of Cade Cunningham’s turnovers and potential solutions
- The impact of Malik Beasley’s performance off the bench
- A look at the Pistons’ upcoming schedule and key matchups
- Discussion on the Pistons’ defensive strategies and improvements
- Updates on player injuries and their implications for the team
Klay Thompson’s homecoming to The Bay started well before he hit the floor last night at Oracle with the Mavs and roughly 19,000 fans started waving nautical Captain hats.
It started mid-way through last season, when Golden State didn’t signal they’d immediately be resigning Thompson as the franchise had, up to then, always been in a hurry to. There were shades of it along with Thompson’s frustrations in his game changing, the splashy shots not falling as fluidly as they used to. Clues came in the way the Warriors felt their frustrations as a team: once together, a cohesive unit, and then splintering and individually.
“Even from July, when Klay decided to go to Dallas to us showing up for training camp and him not being here, it was kind of like a slow build to this night for everybody,” Warriors point guard, Steph Curry, said after last night’s game.
Basketball isn’t played in a vacuum, and Curry sharing the psychic and emotional timeline of the team underscores that in a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Sometimes its brightest full-circle moments have to struggle through discomfort, angst and loss in order to come back around. Often, the storylines with the most ups and downs are the ones that end the most cathartically.
Since this season began, Thompson’s been candid about how necessary the move to Dallas was for him. “Every pro athlete’s human, and uncertainty can bear on you,” he told ESPN prior to Tuesday night’s homecoming game.
“Honestly, it’s rejuvenated me and done something I needed bad just for my mental [state] and my career,” Thompson said.
It’s a knife’s edge between animosity for an athlete’s who’s left a franchise they share a storied history with and sympathy for their decision. What tips fans to one side or the other can skew personal, so isn’t always easy to predict, but Thompson’s tendency toward honesty helps. He’s always been someone who wears what he’s feeling on the floor openly, and for that fans — for the most part — respond with empathy. There’s a sense that through all the years he played for the Warriors there was an open conduit of conversation between him and the fanbase.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Recap The Pistons defeat the Miami Heat in a thrilling game, with a dramatic technical foul on Chris Webber adding to the excitement of their NBA Cup game victory. (Detroit Free Press)
Preview The Detroit Pistons go up against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum at 8:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Legacy Klay Thompson feels “free” after his late-career move to Dallas. (ESPN)
Fantasy Basketball Takeaways From Tuesday - Robert Williams Day
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. |Photo by Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA games offered a wealth of insights for fantasy basketball managers. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and strategic moves you should consider:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
- Grant Williams: With his move to the starting lineup, Williams is a viable short-term pickup, especially while the Hornets deal with injuries. His ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a solid addition in deeper leagues.
- Moussa Diabate: Diabate’s rebounding prowess is noteworthy, especially with the Hornets’ frontcourt injuries. He’s a strong option for those in need of rebounds in deeper formats.
- Franz Wagner: Wagner’s performance underscores his value, particularly with Paolo Banchero out. Consider selling high if you can get a top-tier player in return, as his current production may dip once Banchero returns.
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro: After a 40-point explosion, Herro is a prime sell-high candidate. His shooting percentages are unlikely to sustain, so capitalise on his current form to bolster your roster.
- Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey: Both players showed their potential to fill the stat sheet. Cunningham remains a must-start, while Ivey’s bounce-back game suggests he’s worth holding onto for his upside.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pistons podcasts.
Cade Cunningham And Jaden Ivey: Can They Lead The Detroit Pistons? Can Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey lead the Detroit Pistons to success? These young stars are proving their synergy on the court, boasting impressive stats when playing together. Despite the Pistons’ unexpected rise to 13th in defensive rating, their offensive struggles persist, ranking them in the league’s bottom 10.
Detroit Pistons’ Late Game Collapse Vs. Rockets: What Went Wrong? The Detroit Pistons, known for their resilience, faced a tough loss against the Houston Rockets, falling 101-99 after a late-game collapse. This defeat highlights a recurring issue for the Pistons this season—closing out tight games. Is Cade Cunningham stepping up as the leader the Pistons need? His development, particularly in defense and paint scoring, is a focal point of discussion.
BREAKING: Ausar Thompson Cleared To Return To Full Basketball Activities For Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons are set for a transformation as Ausar Thompson returns to the lineup, promising to elevate both their offensive and defensive game. How will his comeback reshape the Pistons’ strategy in the NBA?
Explore the anticipated rotation changes, including potential shifts in Ron Holland’s minutes and the closing lineup dynamics. Isaiah Stewart’s role is under the spotlight, with a focus on increasing his three-point attempts to maintain offensive spacing.
