The Detroit Pistons walked into Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night with more headlines than healthy bodies - and still walked out with a commanding 113-95 win over the Toronto Raptors. Coming off the heels of a highly publicized altercation with the Charlotte Hornets that led to multi-game suspensions for centers Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, Detroit didn’t flinch. Instead, they leaned into their depth, their resilience, and a breakout performance from a player who’s made a habit of staying ready.
That player? Paul Reed.
With both starting big men sidelined, Reed stepped into the spotlight and played like a man who’s been waiting for this kind of moment. He poured in 22 points, grabbed five boards, swatted four shots, and came away with three steals - a stat-stuffing performance that set the tone early and never let up.
“He’s B-Ball. That’s what he does,” said Pistons head coach J.B.
Bickerstaff postgame, clearly fired up about Reed’s impact. “Basketball is what he eats, sleeps, bleeds, and every time he gets an opportunity it’s quick-twitch and ready to go.
A guy who prepares himself every day like he’s going to start and play 48 minutes.”
That mindset translated into production. Reed came out scorching, dropping 16 of his 22 points in the opening quarter. He attacked Toronto’s interior defense with energy and confidence, helping Detroit establish early control and never relinquish it.
This wasn’t just a flash-in-the-pan performance either. Reed’s been quietly making the most of his chances all season - stepping in when the Pistons need a spark, especially in games where the rotation gets shuffled due to injuries or, in this case, suspensions. He made an impact in the Hornets game after the ejections, and he picked up right where he left off in Toronto.
“You have a team full of guys that’s hungry, that’s ready to go out and compete at the highest level,” Reed said postgame. “The suspensions are unfortunate but they trust me and Tolu (Smith) to come in and help us get dubs. That’s what it says about the team, about the front office bringing us in.”
Reed also acknowledged the realities of his role - minutes aren’t guaranteed, but preparation is non-negotiable.
“At this point, my minutes aren’t always consistent but I know teammates and coaches are expecting me to come in and be ready, so that’s what I'm going to do and I take pride in that and my preparation. Knowing if anything goes left, I can step up and provide huge minutes.”
And that’s exactly what Detroit has needed this season. With lineup changes and injuries creating constant flux, players like Reed have become essential.
The Pistons will be without Duren for one more game and Stewart for six more as he serves out a seven-game suspension. That means Reed’s role isn’t just temporary - it’s pivotal.
Of course, the Pistons’ engine continues to be Cade Cunningham, and the All-Star point guard was once again in full command. He flirted with his fifth triple-double of the season, finishing with 28 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.
He shot a blistering 9-of-14 from the field and knocked down six of his 11 attempts from deep. Cunningham also added three steals, showing his usual two-way impact.
This win marked Detroit’s 40th of the season and kept them atop the Eastern Conference standings - a statement in itself given the adversity they’ve faced. The Pistons are proving they’re more than just a top-heavy team with star power. They’ve got depth, grit, and guys like Paul Reed who are ready to rise when the moment calls.
And if Wednesday night was any indication, Detroit’s not just surviving the storm - they’re building momentum through it.