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’ Winning Streak Snapped: Analyzing the Loss to Golden State
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) rebound against Golden State Warriors forward Kyle Anderson (1) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena.
| Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons’ five-game winning streak came to an end as they fell to the Golden State Warriors 107-104 in a closely contested matchup. Despite the loss, there’s no need for Pistons fans to lose hope. The team’s recent success and improved play are still cause for optimism.
One of the most surprising aspects of this game was Stephen Curry’s uncharacteristically poor shooting performance. Curry went 5-for-21 from the field, including 2-for-14 from three-point range. When a team manages to contain Curry to this extent, it typically results in a victory. However, the Warriors found other ways to secure the win.
The Pistons’ defense struggled mightily throughout the game, particularly against Golden State’s off-ball movement and split actions. The Warriors consistently found open looks and easy baskets, exploiting Detroit’s defensive miscommunications. This forced head coach Monty Williams to implement a zone defense in the third quarter, a strategy he hadn’t used all season.
While the zone initially disrupted the Warriors’ offense, it ultimately led to rebounding issues for Detroit. Golden State capitalized on this, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds and creating numerous second-chance opportunities.
Cade Cunningham’s performance was a tale of two halves. He struggled in the first half, committing several turnovers and failing to find his rhythm. However, Cunningham bounced back strong in the second half, finishing with 32 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. His 18-point fourth quarter nearly led the Pistons to a comeback victory.
The loss highlighted some areas of concern for Detroit moving forward. The team’s lack of secondary creators behind Cunningham was evident, as the Warriors focused their defensive attention on him. This strategy forced other Pistons players to make plays, exposing the team’s limitations in shot creation.
Additionally, the Pistons’ struggles defending in space and containing player movement were on full display. These issues have persisted throughout the season and will need to be addressed if the team hopes to continue its upward trajectory.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ loss to the Warriors, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• Simone Fontecchio’s recent struggles and decision-making
• Jalen Duren’s defensive improvements over the last five games
• The importance of utilizing Duren’s ball-handling skills in the offense
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
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
Trade The Detroit Pistons face a critical decision ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline: determining which assets to move to optimize their roster for future success. Explore the key questions they must address. (Bleacher Report)
Must Read Cade Cunningham has taken his game to the next level, but he’s not done yet. He wants to be the man for Detroit. (Yahoo! Sports)
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pistons podcasts.
Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham vs Anthony Edwards: A scoring duel Can the Detroit Pistons make a surprising playoff push this season? With a recent three-game winning streak, including victories over the Charlotte Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Pistons are turning heads in the NBA. Cade Cunningham’s explosive 40-point performance against Minnesota and Ausar Thompson’s defensive prowess reshaped the team’s dynamics. The episode explores how these standout performances and Ron Holland’s contributions off the bench are boosting the Pistons’ playoff prospects.
What A Time! Detroit Pistons Get Fourth Straight Win After Defeating The Portland TrailBlazers Detroit Pistons Triumph: A New Era in Detroit Sports? With their recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Detroit Pistons have brought their record to an impressive 18-18. Could this be the start of a new chapter for the Pistons and Detroit sports?
Join host Ku Khahil as he breaks down the game, spotlighting Cade Cunningham’s standout performance and the strategic shifts in the Pistons’ defense. Discover how veteran players like THJ and Malik Beasley are shaping the team’s success.
Detroit Pistons Win Fifth Straight Game, Get Above .500 After Defeating The Brooklyn Nets! Can the Detroit Pistons maintain their momentum and secure a playoff spot in the NBA? With a stunning five-game winning streak, the Pistons, led by standout performances from Simone Fontechio and Marcus Sasser, are making waves in the Eastern Conference.
Explore how the Pistons’ recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets has reshaped their playoff prospects. The host breaks down the team’s evolving strategy, highlighting key players like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Discover the potential impact of upcoming roster decisions and trade deadline strategies on the Pistons’ path to success