Pistons Crush Pacers by 43, and Ron Holland Answers a Challenge with Authority
The Detroit Pistons didn’t just beat the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night-they steamrolled them. With a 121-78 blowout win at Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons delivered their most dominant performance of the season, and second-year forward Ron Holland made sure to leave his fingerprints all over it-both figuratively and literally, on the rim.
This version of the Pistons is starting to look like a throwback to the franchise’s blue-collar roots. In a league that’s increasingly built around finesse, spacing, and three-point shooting, Detroit is carving out a different identity-one built on grit, physicality, and a mentality that says, “We’re going to outwork you.”
And no one embodied that on Saturday night more than Holland, who turned a pregame challenge from assistant coach Jarrett Jack into a personal mission.
A Dunk-Fueled Response to a Coach’s Jab
Before tipoff, Jack playfully questioned Holland’s ability to dunk off two feet, suggesting his dunk package might be a little shallow. That was all the motivation Holland needed.
Not only did he rise to the occasion-he rose above it. Holland threw down a series of powerful, two-foot slams throughout the night, including one that shook the arena and sent the bench into a frenzy.
“Ask Cade about it,” Holland said postgame, referencing teammate Cade Cunningham. “I told him when coach drew the play up-I knew.
I told Cade, ‘Just throw it. I’m going to go dunk it.
I’m going to go dunk the ball.’”
And dunk it he did. Holland made it clear who the message was for.
“That dunk was for Jarrett Jack, by the way,” he added. “He said I can’t dunk off two, and all my dunks came off two tonight. I just want Jarrett Jack to know that.”
More Than Just Highlights
Holland’s final stat line-seven points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals-won’t jump off the page. But his energy was everywhere. He played with purpose, especially on the defensive end, where he helped force two of Indiana’s 25 turnovers.
This wasn’t just a blowout-it was a statement. And while the Pacers were missing key players due to injury, the Pistons didn’t let up for a second. Holland’s relentless effort helped Detroit maintain pressure from the opening tip through the final buzzer.
Eyes on the Bigger Picture
Despite the lopsided score, Holland kept his focus on the long-term goals.
“It’s really fun,” he said. “With this group of guys, we can all go out there and do all kinds of different things.
Coach does a great job of helping us stay together. Even nights like this when we’ve got big wins, we need to continue to play together because it’s bigger than this.
We are trying to get to the playoffs and bring a championship to this franchise.”
That mindset is exactly what the Pistons want from a young player like Holland. The coaching staff has been working closely with him on areas like rebounding, and it’s starting to pay off-his six boards Saturday night were a product of that increased focus.
Teammates Taking Notice
Veteran forward Javonte Green has been watching Holland’s growth closely. He saw the potential back when Holland was with the G League Ignite and says the young forward is starting to put it all together.
“Ron, he’s been good,” Green said. “I seen him in the G-League when he was with the Ignite.
I knew he was going to be a good player. Just right now, just maturing like from every day, just seeing how confident he is in himself.
You know, just the three ball and then just the cutting and just the defensive end, of course. Just seeing him grow day by day is exciting.”
It’s not just the fans who are taking notice-Holland has clearly earned the respect of his teammates. And after Saturday night, it’s safe to say Jarrett Jack might be rethinking his critique of Holland’s two-foot hops.
The Pistons are still a young team finding their way, but if they keep playing with this kind of edge-and if Holland keeps rising to every challenge-they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.