The Pistons have split their first two preseason games, but the overtime loss to the Wizards offered a rough little snapshot of what still needs cleaning up.
Detroit’s latest outing turned into a warning sign early. The Pistons opened by allowing 40 points in the first quarter and managed only 20 of their own, repeating the same issue they showed against the Phoenix Suns, when they were outscored 35-21 with most of the core group on the floor. With so many newcomers in the mix, some growing pains were always part of the picture, but the slow starts have put a spotlight on the team’s early-game readiness.
Against Washington, Cade Cunningham sat out, but Detroit still had a starter-heavy group available, with Ausar Thompson, John Collins, Duncan Robinson and Daniss Jenkins all playing. Even so, the Pistons couldn’t keep the Wizards from establishing control right away. That’s the kind of problem that can snowball fast, especially when an opponent is ready to bury you before the night really settles in.
The foul count told another big part of the story. Detroit was whistled for 36 fouls, while Washington had just 23.
Ausar Thompson and Paul Reed both fouled out in the fourth quarter, and that seriously thinned out Detroit’s defense when it mattered most. Once those pieces were gone, other players had to absorb heavier minutes, and that showed later with fatigue becoming a factor.
Washington also owned the transition game, finishing with 23 fast-break points to Detroit’s nine. In overtime, the Wizards opened with an 8-2 run and went on to win the extra period 16-10.
There are still reasons to think this can look different once Detroit gets some of its missing pieces back. Jalen Duren has yet to play in a preseason game, and the source of this problem may be less alarming if both he and Cunningham are available. Duren’s toughness, rebounding and finishing give the Pistons a center who changes the tone of the game.
Detroit’s new faces will matter too. John Collins, Isaiah Joe and rookie Ebuka Okorie are all expected to get more comfortable in the system, and the bench minutes around Cunningham will need to hold up on both ends. When he sits, the Pistons have to stay sharp defensively and keep the offense moving without dropping off.
Detroit’s next game is Oct. 14 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m.
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Cade Cunninghams Absence Is Giving The Pistons A Real Test
Cade Cunninghams preseason rest against Washington gave the Pistons a useful look at life without their top engine, and it put some of the rosters younger pieces under the spotlight. Detroit has been using these exhibition stretches to sort through lineups and see which combinations can hold up when the offense isnt running through its best player, a worthwhile exercise even in a loss.
Daniss Jenkins stepped into a bigger role, while rookie Ebuka Okorie also got another chance to make his case after his strong preseason opener against Phoenix. For a team that wants more flexibility and a deeper supporting cast once the games count, these minutes matter, because the Pistons need more than Cunninghams brilliance to carry them through the regular season. [Read more 🡒]
Pistons Just Got An Early Warning About Life Without Cade
Cade Cunningham sat out Detroits second preseason game, and the result offered an early glimpse of how thin the margin can get when the offense has to function without its engine. The Pistons had trouble generating clean looks, the ball stuck at times, and the overall execution on that end never found much rhythm as the group struggled to score efficiently.
There were a couple of encouraging notes in the backcourt, though, with Daniss Jenkins and rookie Ebuka Okorie each showing some feel for organizing the offense. Even so, Detroits poor shooting and turnover issues underscored how much work remains if the team wants to survive Cunningham absences in the regular season and keep his workload manageable. [Read more 🡒]
Pistons May Not Be Done After Locking In Cade Cunninghams Core
The Pistons have already checked off two major items from their long-term to-do list, signing Ausar Thompson to a five-year extension and reaching a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed deal with Jalen Duren after a restricted free agency standoff. For a franchise that has spent years trying to stabilize its young core around Cade Cunningham, locking in Thompson and Duren gives Detroit a clearer identity and a deeper foundation than it had going into the offseason.
Even so, the roster picture does not feel finished. Detroit has been mentioned in speculation tied to a possible wing upgrade, and the teams front office has made it clear enough in recent years that it will keep looking for ways to speed up the rebuild. Whether that means standing pat with the group it has or finding another move to balance the rotation, the Pistons still have a few decisions to make before the roster feels fully set. [Read more 🡒]