The Detroit Pistons celebrated their first victory of the season after defeating the Houston Rockets 115-111 on Friday night in Houston. This hard-fought win came despite significant challenges, including the ejection of center Jalen Duren in the second quarter due to a flagrant foul against Amen Thompson.
Cade Cunningham was instrumental in the Pistons’ success, leading the team with 21 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. His performance included crucial free throws in the final seconds of the game that helped secure the win. Paul Reed also emerged as a standout player, stepping up in the absence of Duren and fellow center Isaiah Stewart, who eventually fouled out. Reed contributed with 13 points, nine rebounds, and two critical blocked shots, including one against Rockets star Alperen Sengun in the final moments of the game.
The Pistons managed to keep the Rockets to a shooting percentage of just 38.6%, while their own shooting efficiency was impressive, hitting 46.7% of their attempts and making 41% from three-point range, sinking 16 of 39 shots from behind the arc. Despite the Rockets’ Kevin Durant leading all scorers with 37 points, the Pistons’ collective defensive efforts were pivotal in maintaining their lead throughout the second half.
Several Pistons players found themselves in foul trouble as the game progressed, with Duren’s early exit forcing coach J.B. Bickerstaff to adapt his strategy. The introduction of a two-big lineup at the start of the game set a defensive tone, but the rapid accumulation of fouls complicated their game plan. In response, Bickerstaff utilized deeper rotations, giving second-round draft pick Chaz Lanier his NBA debut, during which he scored his first career basket—a three-pointer that helped lift the Pistons’ spirits.
Injury reports showed that Marcus Sasser missed his second consecutive game due to a right hip impingement, while Caris LeVert did not play due to left hamstring tightness. The dynamic nature of the game and the adjustments required to a rapidly changing roster reflect a resilience that bodes well for the Pistons as they navigate the challenges of their season.
This victory marks a positive turning point as the Pistons improve to a 1-1 record, displaying determination and adaptability in the face of adversity. Looking ahead, the experience gained from this matchup could prove vital as they continue to develop their roster and team chemistry.