Joe Dumars is no stranger to NBA glory, having secured two championships as a player and another as an executive with the Detroit Pistons. Now, as the New Orleans Pelicans' executive vice president of basketball operations, he's on a mission to elevate his new team to similar heights.
However, the journey hit a snag with a 129-108 loss to the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena, highlighting the work still ahead for the Pelicans.
"Joe Dumars' DNA is all about competitive spirit, physicality, and defense," noted Pelicans’ interim coach James Borrego before the game. "He played it, lived it, and it still courses through him. Those are traits you can see in both organizations."
On this occasion, the competitive edge was firmly with the Pistons. The Pelicans (25-49) have now dropped three consecutive games, all against top-tier Eastern Conference teams. Following defeats to the Cavaliers and Knicks, they couldn't muster enough against the conference-leading Pistons (53-20).
"We struggled defensively," Borrego admitted. "Apart from a brief run at the end of the third and early fourth quarters, we couldn't string together enough stops."
This marked the Pelicans' first double-digit defeat since their March 1 clash with the Clippers. Zion Williamson led the charge with 21 points and six rebounds, but it wasn't enough to prevent being outscored 34-23 in the second quarter and 37-22 in the fourth, leading to a season sweep by the Pistons for the second year running.
Saddiq Bey, returning to Detroit where he started his career, contributed 17 points. Jeremiah Fears added 13 points and six assists off the bench, while rookie Derik Queen notched his 10th double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Missing Trey Murphy due to an ankle sprain, the Pelicans struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 11-of-24 attempts. "We missed crucial opportunities at the line," Borrego said. "Without Murphy, those points were vital."
Pistons’ center Jalen Duren was a force, racking up 30 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
Next up, the Pelicans face the Toronto Raptors on the road. They'll be looking to replicate their recent 122-111 victory over the Raptors at the Smoothie King Center.