Sasser is instant offense off the bench for the Pistons
A dominant second quarter helped the Detroit Pistons build a 30-point lead over the visiting San Antonio Spurs that proved to be insurmountable in a 122-96 win. It was Detroit’s second straight win without starting point guard Cade Cunningham, who missed another game with a left calf contusion.
The Pistons shared the load without their star, amassing 33 assists and scoring from all 12 players who saw the floor. Marcus Sasser was once again instant offense off the bench for the Pistons, leading all scorers with 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting.
It has been a testament to Sasser’s professionalism that he has so easily locked into an important offensive role with Cunningham out after rarely seeing the floor since the team added Dennis Schröder at the trade deadline. Schröder has played a crucial two-way role as a primary ball handler and backup point guard who also often finishes games alongside Cunningham.
Sasser is less of a point guard than the veteran Schröder, but he is instant offense, and he proved it against tonight. He hit four of his first five shots and help build the critical early lead for the Pistons.
The win secured the Pistons at least a .500 record on the season after winning a franchise-worst 14 games last season.
Detroit held the Spurs without a field goal for over 10 minutes in the second quarter, building a 60-34 lead at the half. The Pistons were able to stretch that lead as high as 30 early in the third before the Spurs broke out of their funk and started hitting shots again.
The Spurs were led by Devin Vassell with 26 points and presumptive rookie of the year Stephon Castle, who turned it on the second half and started imposing his will driving to the basket. He finished with 19 points.
The game was never really in doubt for the Pistons, which was a nice change of pace for a team that has been prone to cough up big leads. Especially without their steadying force in Cunningham to help run the offense.
The Pistons get two days off before a big Friday matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers . They then hit the road for two tough contests against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder.