Pistons Dominate Spurs for Second Straight Win Without Cunningham
The Detroit Pistons are making a statement as the season winds down, and their latest performance against the San Antonio Spurs proved just that. With a resounding 122-96 victory, the Pistons secured their second consecutive win and continued their push toward the postseason.
Despite missing star guard Cade Cunningham for the second straight game due to a calf injury, the Pistons showed no signs of slowing down. Under the leadership of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit remains focused on the details that will carry them into the playoffs with momentum. “Our focus is to try and play good basketball,” Bickerstaff emphasized. “If we take care of those things, we will be successful enough going into the postseason with confidence.”
Ausar Thompson took full advantage of his increased minutes, breaking out of a recent slump with a well-rounded performance. Thompson came out aggressively, setting the tone early by scoring four of Detroit’s first seven points. He finished the night with 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 27 minutes—his most playing time since March 19. “I thought he was really good,” Bickerstaff said. “He was aggressive early, pushing the ball in transition, and defending without fouling.”
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But the star of the night was Marcus Sasser, who delivered a career-high 27 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Sasser capitalized on Cunningham’s absence, proving he can be a scoring force when needed. “He’s a natural scorer,” Bickerstaff noted. “With Cade out, there were points to be had, and he stepped up.”
The Pistons dominated on both ends of the floor, with six players scoring in double figures. Tobias Harris added 15 points and eight rebounds, Jalen Duren contributed 14 points and seven assists, and Malik Beasley provided 13 points off the bench. Detroit’s defense was especially impressive in the second quarter, holding the Spurs to just 12 points on a dismal 2-of-19 shooting.
San Antonio, which had been on a hot streak coming into the game, struggled mightily without key players Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, both sidelined with injuries. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 26 points but lacked the supporting cast to keep the game competitive.
Detroit’s win improves their record to 41-32, making them 2-0 in their current three-game homestand. With the playoffs fast approaching, the Pistons are locked in on developing winning habits and maintaining their focus. “The team is so dialed in right now,” Bickerstaff said. “They’re not looking ahead, just taking each challenge as it comes.”
Up next, the Pistons will wrap up their homestand with a crucial matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. With their sights set on securing their first winning season since 2015-16, every game matters. Fans at Little Caesars Arena can expect Detroit to bring the same energy and determination as they continue their journey toward playoff basketball.
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