On the second night of a back-to-back, without their starting center, and facing a rested Miami Heat squad, the Detroit Pistons had every excuse to fold. Instead, they dug deep and delivered one of their grittiest wins of the season - a 138-135 road victory that showcased resilience, smart execution, and some timely performances from players up and down the roster.
Let’s start with the obvious: Detroit owned the paint. The Pistons outscored Miami by 22 down low, carving up the interior with relentless drives, cuts, and smart ball movement. Combine that with a scorching 59% shooting night from the field, and you’ve got the formula for a high-efficiency win - even against a Heat team known for its defensive toughness.
And remember, this wasn’t just any game. Detroit was coming off a physical matchup the night before and had to hop on a plane postgame, landing in Miami in the early hours of Saturday morning. That’s the kind of travel schedule that tests a team’s legs - and their will.
“You think about what these guys did these past four or five days,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said postgame.
“Played back-to-back Cup games, get on a plane at midnight, fly three hours, get to the hotel at about four in the morning and then come out here and win a basketball game. That speaks to their character, their fight, their resolve.”
That resolve was on full display - not just from the stars, but from the role players who stepped up when Detroit needed them most.
Cade Cunningham, as expected, was steady and dynamic. The All-Star guard poured in 29 points and dished out eight assists, continuing to anchor the Pistons’ offense with poise and control. But the real story of the night came from the supporting cast.
Tobias Harris turned back the clock with a vintage performance, dropping 26 points on a blistering 10-of-12 shooting night. That’s the kind of efficiency you dream of from a veteran forward, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With Jalen Duren sidelined due to a minor injury, the Pistons needed someone to carry a bit more of the scoring load - and Harris answered the call.
“I said it last year, I’ll say it again,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s the safety blanket.
When things get bumpy, he’s a guy who knows how to get to his spot and create. We know we can depend on him, and he’s reliable in those moments.”
Harris delivered from all over the floor - knocking down turnaround jumpers, working the mid-range, and going 4-of-6 from deep. It was a masterclass in shot selection and veteran savvy, the kind of performance that keeps a young team grounded in high-pressure moments.
Another standout? Duncan Robinson, who made the most of his return to Miami. The former Heat sharpshooter put up 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting, and while the scoring was solid, it was his off-ball movement and basketball IQ that really stood out.
“It’s not just his ability to shoot the ball,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s his ability to keep offenses ticking, force teams to guard multiple actions, and make everyone else’s job easier.
He’s extremely heady. He knows how to make the play, and he out-thinks his opponent most nights.”
With Duren - a 20-point-per-game force - out of the lineup, Detroit needed a collective effort to stay competitive. Robinson’s floor spacing and decision-making were crucial in opening up the offense and keeping Miami’s defense on its heels.
This one wasn’t pretty the whole way. It was a grind, a test of stamina and execution. But the Pistons passed with flying colors, leaning on depth, discipline, and a little bit of veteran magic.
Now, they’ll get a well-earned day of rest before hosting the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. If this performance is any indication, Detroit’s got more fight in them than their record might suggest - and they’re not afraid of the grind.