The Detroit Pistons were back on the court Tuesday night, facing the Phoenix Suns in a game with a unique backdrop. Played at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Suns guard Devin Booker and team governor Mat Ishbia made their return to Michigan. For Booker, this game held extra significance. Michigan State was a serious contender when deciding on a college, but he ultimately chose Kentucky— and the rest, as they say, is history.
On the court, the Pistons couldn’t carry over the momentum from their Sunday night victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, falling to the Suns 105-97. Kevin Durant led Phoenix with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while Jalen Duren paced the Pistons with 17. Despite the loss, the Pistons showed flashes of promise. What can we take away from this performance and what does this mean going forward? Let’s dive in.
What The Pistons Recent Preseason Game Means for the Regular Season
Ivey’s Confidence Shines Again
After shining in Sunday’s win, Jaden Ivey followed up with another strong outing. He scored 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 1-of-4 from beyond the arc. Heading into this season, there were concerns about how Ivey would adjust alongside Cade Cunningham , but so far this preseason, he’s proving those doubts wrong.
Ivey’s confidence is on full display, particularly in his mid-range game and his willingness to shoot from deep without hesitation. His ability to drive the lane and create chaos in transition makes him the player Pistons fans hoped for when they drafted him in 2022. Ivey’s preseason quality play so far could lead to a breakout year in the regular season.
Cade Cunningham’s Offensive Struggles
While preseason performances shouldn’t always be overanalyzed, Cunningham’s early struggles are worth noting. On Tuesday night, Cunningham managed just three points on 1-of-6 shooting. Across two preseason games, he’s missed 13 of his 19 shot attempts.
That said, once the regular season begins, these early shooting woes are unlikely to define Cunningham. The former first-overall pick from the 2021 NBA draft is widely expected to have a breakout season, with some even mentioning him as an All-Star candidate. What stands out about Cunningham is his ability to impact the game beyond scoring, as evidenced by his team-leading eight assists on Tuesday.
Pistons Show Offensive Flow, Struggle in Second Half vs. Suns
Last season, watching the Pistons’ offense was often frustrating, as it mostly revolved around Cunningham controlling the ball while others stood idle. However, under J.B. Bickerstaff , there’s already a noticeable shift. The new offensive system allows Cunningham to play off-ball more often, with crisper ball movement throughout the team. For Pistons fans, the presence of capable shooters and the potential of the offense—especially once Tobias Harris makes his debut—is exciting.
The Pistons started strong in the first quarter on Tuesday, shooting 11-of-19 from the field. But in the second quarter, their shooting went cold, dropping to just 28%. When Cunningham sat out the second half, the Suns took advantage with an 18-0 run. Combined with a tough 6-of-20 shooting performance in the third quarter, the deficit became too large to overcome. Despite this rough patch, there are clear signs of potential in what this offense could become.
The Last Word
Despite the loss to the Suns, there are clear signs of growth and potential within this Pistons team. Jaden Ivey’s continued development, Cade Cunningham’s playmaking, and the early improvements in offensive flow under J.B. Bickerstaff provide reasons for optimism. These are encouraging signs for the regular season. Though preseason struggles should be taken in stride, the foundation for a more dynamic offense is being set. With capable shooters and the eventual addition of Tobias Harris, the Pistons have the tools to be competitive. While challenges remain, Pistons fans can look forward to a season of growth, improvement, and hope for a brighter future.
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