Ron Holland Steps Up in Duncan Robinson’s Absence, Sparks Pistons to Narrow Win Over Hawks
With Duncan Robinson sidelined for the first time this season due to a right ankle sprain, the Pistons were looking for someone-anyone-to step up and fill the void. Head coach J.B.
Bickerstaff had faith that “other guys” would rise to the occasion. And on Monday night, rookie forward Ron Holland delivered in a big way.
Holland, coming off the bench, played just over 17 minutes but made every second count. He poured in 17 points, grabbed six rebounds, and added two steals, helping Detroit squeak out a 99-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks. It wasn’t pretty, but it was gritty-and Holland was at the heart of it.
“He was unbelievable,” Bickerstaff said postgame. “He was the spark for us.
We struggled tonight. I thought Ron gave us a ton of energy, a fire, the way he just competed.
I thought he was phenomenal tonight.”
This wasn’t just a flash in the pan. Holland has been carving out a niche as one of the Pistons’ high-energy contributors, and his performance against Atlanta was a perfect example of how effort and hustle can swing a game. Detroit currently ranks among the league’s best in hustle stats-points off turnovers, deflections, loose balls recovered, and contested shots-and Holland’s fingerprints are all over those metrics.
Speaking after the game, Holland broke down what makes coming off the bench such a valuable role for him.
“Coming off the bench for me, it allows me to slow the game down and being able to watch where I can really shine,” he said. “To see what guys’ tendencies are, and to go in and make an immediate impact.
I definitely love coming off the bench with this team because one, it’s gonna be nights like this where we start off kinda slow. That’s what the bench mob is for-we get in and bring that spark and the energy we need.”
That spark was the difference Monday night.
Around the Central Division
Marcus Sasser Nearing Return
There’s more good news on the injury front for Detroit. Guard Marcus Sasser, who’s been dealing with a right hip issue, is trending in the right direction.
While he didn’t suit up Monday, the team listed his absence as related to “return to competition conditioning.” He’s been participating in 3-on-3 scrimmages, which is typically one of the final steps before a player is cleared.
His season debut could be just around the corner.
Cavs Respond to Skid with Statement Win
After dropping three straight, the Cavaliers needed a bounce-back-and they got it in emphatic fashion, putting up 135 points in a win over the Pacers. But the turnaround may have started before tip-off, thanks to a fiery message from Donovan Mitchell following Sunday’s loss.
“This ain’t last year,” Mitchell told his teammates. “They’re coming for us-as they should.
They’re coming for (Evan Mobley’s) Defensive Player of the Year. They’re coming for my first team All-NBA.
They’re coming for Kenny (Atkinson’s) Coach of the Year. They’re coming for all that.
We’re not the underdogs, we’re the hunted. We need to go out there and continue to act like it.”
That message clearly resonated. The Cavs played with urgency and purpose, and if this is the version of Cleveland that shows up moving forward, they’re going to be a tough out.
Injury Updates for the Bulls
The Bulls continue to be hit hard by injuries. Guard Coby White missed Monday’s game due to tightness in his left calf and is set to undergo imaging to determine the extent of the issue.
Meanwhile, big man Zach Collins has been cleared for contact as he works his way back from wrist surgery. The plan is for him to get some run with the team’s G League affiliate this week.
But the hits kept coming. Wing Kevin Huerter exited Monday’s loss to Orlando after just six minutes, sidelined by an adductor injury.
There’s no word yet on how much time, if any, he’ll miss moving forward. For a Bulls team already dealing with a thin rotation, every new injury only adds to the challenge.
Thompson’s Two-Way Deal with Pacers Runs Through 2027
The Pacers have locked in a bit of long-term flexibility with their latest two-way signing. Thompson’s new deal runs for two years, meaning he won’t hit free agency until the summer of 2027-assuming he plays out the full term. It’s a smart move for Indiana, giving them time to evaluate and develop a player with upside without rushing the process.
Monday night in the Central Division brought a little bit of everything-clutch rookie performances, fiery veteran leadership, and a few injury updates that could shape the weeks ahead. As the season grinds on, the margins get tighter, and the difference-makers-like Ron Holland-start to separate themselves from the pack.