Cade Cunningham returns to lead the Pistons over the Pacers to a 3-0 NBA Cup record

November 30, 2024

The Detroit Pistons are far from winning their fourth Larry O’Brien Trophy, but competing for the franchise’s first NBA Cup was a clear sign of growth.

Since the league’s second annual in-season tournament began on November 12, coach JB Bickerstaff and several players have said the team has approached each tournament game with urgency, knowing that pursuing the Emirates NBA Cup brings respect and more incentives , if they manage to win the big race in Las Vegas.

BOX SCORE: Pistons 130, Pacers 106

On Friday evening, the Pistons extended their winning streak in the regular season tournament to three with a 130-106 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Detroit and the Milwaukee BuThe Cks are tied 0-3 in East Group B. A win over the Bucks on Tuesday night would not only give the Pistons a place in the quarterfinals, but also give them a chance to host the game at Little Caesars Arena.

“That was important for us,” Bickerstaff said. “Our guys approached it that way. Other than the turnovers (18), I think we did a really good job of doing all the little things that help you win basketball games.”

Cade Cunningham returned to the lineup after missing the last three games with a joint injury. With 24 points and 10 assists, including four 3-point field goals, he extended his double-double streak to six. With 4:47 left in the third quarter, Cunningham hit his third triple, giving Detroit an 85-64 lead.

Meanwhile, Tobias Harris also returned to the lineup after missing the previous game due to a hip injury and added 16 points and five rebounds. Including Cunningham and Harris, six players scored in double figures. Jaden Ivey scored 23 points (8 of 13 FG, 3 of 8 3PT), Jalen Duren had 14 points and 12 rebounds and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 10 points. Malik Beasley led Detroit with 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting, 5 of 9 from long range.

With the win, the Pistons officially eliminated Indiana from contention for the in-season tournament. Pascal Siakam scored 21 points to lead Indiana. Tyrese Haliburton added 19 while Bennedict Mathurin finished with 16.

“Our guys wanted to win – they came out with a sense of urgency,” Bickerstaff said. “Again, this gives our guys an opportunity to play meaningful games and see how they respond.”

“I thought our guys did a great job and responded positively; they played with the sense of urgency that you need to play with to win meaningful games.”

Observations vs. Pacers

▶ The pistons finally ensure a sizzling start

The Pistons had several games where they competed at full speed to start the night. But for one reason or another, they would allow their opponents to get back into the game and, in some cases, pull off a comeback victory. However, against the Pacers, the Pistons flipped the script.

They dominated the first quarter, shooting 61.9% from the field and making five 3-pointers. Beasley’s 3-point field goal with 1:39 left in the quarter gave the Pistons a 12-point lead, 33-21. Although the Pacers fought back to cut their deficit to three early in the second, the Pistons got back on track with a 15-4 run. With the win, Detroit improved to 9-12 when it led after the first period.

▶ Beasley nominated for Sixth Man of the Year?

ESPN recently conducted a poll of the top five players in the running for Sixth Man of the Year honors. Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics received 55% of the first place vote. However, Beasley’s absence was notable, and his performance against the Pacers highlighted why the veteran guard should be considered.

Beasley was one of the league’s best players off the bench, averaging 13.6 points on 35.5% shooting from behind the arc. It’s also worth noting that Beasley had a significant impact on the Pistons’ success, both on and off the court.

▶ Pistons end losing streak against Pacers

Since the 2022-23 season, the Pistons have had some issues with the Pacers, losing seven of their last nine games. However, with the win, Detroit ended a five-game losing streak against Indiana.

The Pistons return to Detroit for a two-game homestand. On Saturday, they welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to Little Caesars Arena, marking their sixth consecutive set of the season. The Pistons also face the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Tipoff between the Pistons and Sixers is scheduled for 7 p.m

76ers at Pistons

▶ Tip: Saturday, 7 p.m., Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

▶ TV/Radio: FSN EXTRA/950

▶ Piston injuries: Bobi Klintman, missing (bruised calf)

▶ Planned lineups: Pistons – Guards Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey; forwards Tim Hardaway Jr., Tobias Harris; Center Jalen Duren. 76s – Guards Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain; forwards Kelly Oubre Jr., Guerschon Yabusele; Center Andre Drummond

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