DETROIT — Due to a right ankle sprain sustained against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, Tim Hardaway Jr.’s absence was anticipated. But as the Pistons began their three-game homestand against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, the absence of Cade Cunningham caught everyone off guard.
Cunningham was a late scratch because of soreness in his left calf, marking his sixth absence of the season. Without their All-Star guard, Detroit began the day a bit discombobulated but managed to come away with a 136-130 win at Little Caesars Arena.
The victory was the Pistons’ 40th of the season, marking the first time they have reached that milestone since 2019.
“This is great because I have never hit 40 wins,” Isaiah Stewart said. “Reaching 40 wins and then seeing it, I was like, ‘dang,’ it’s a great feeling. We will continue to build on it.”
With his team short-handed, Ron Holland II played a crucial role in helping Detroit fill the vacancy. The game was his best performance of the season, highlighting the potential that led to the Pistons selecting the former G League Ignite prospect in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Holland tied a career-high with 26 points, shooting 10-of-14 with six assists, five rebounds and two steals. At the 4:58 mark of the fourth quarter, Holland’s circus shot resulted in Detroit taking a 115-110 lead. A few possessions later, he connected on a 3-pointer to give Detroit a 118-112 lead.
“He’s a fierce competitor, but he just doesn’t care what the play is,” Bickerstaff said. “It can be an offensive rebound, it could be a steal, it could be a loose ball, a drive to the basket in transition, he just impacts winning every way, because it matters to him.”
Marcus Sasser was also essential for Detroit, scoring 20 on 6-of-9 shooting and 3-of-4 from deep off the bench. His 3-pointer with 2:43 remaining in the period gave Detroit a six-point lead and control to prevent an upset. The game marked Sasser’s third appearance after seven DNPs in the last 10 games.
“Marcus Sasser has been through a lot with us,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s had opportunities. He’s had moments where he hasn’t played, but every time he plays, he puts himself in position to help his team win basketball games. I can’t say how difficult that is, but all I can tell you is how important it is to us, what it means as a professional, and how well he focuses on his craft. A lot of respect and appreciation for him.”
The Pelicans were just as shorthanded, playing without Zion Williamson. But despite being without their franchise star, the Pelicans must have been motivated after a 46-point beatdown on their home floor seven days earlier.
C.J. McCollum nailed a mid-range jumper, bringing the Pelicans within 73-70 by the 7:30 mark of the third quarter. A layup attempt by Karlo Matković (eight points and 11 rebounds) on New Orleans’ next possession resulted in the Pelicans not only closing the gap to one point but also shifting the momentum in their favor.
McCollum’s layup at the 6:49 mark gave New Orleans a 74-73 lead. They began the second half outscoring Detroit 15-5. McCollum scored a game-high 40 points, making 16 of 28 shots, 5-of-12 from behind the arc.
The Pistons trailed 88-83 following Jordan Hawkins’ sixth 3-pointer with 2:35 left in the third quarter. After Hawkins’ 3-pointer, Bickerstaff called a timeout that slowed New Orleans’ surge. The Pistons closed the period on a 10-3 run, which led to a 93-91 lead entering the fourth quarter. Hawkins added 25 points off the bench for New Orleans.
Jalen Duren recorded his 35th double-double of the season with 22 points and 12 rebounds. He scored 17 during the first half, which led to Detroit holding a 68-59 halftime lead. Tobias Harris added 14 points. Dennis Schroder had 16 points and five assists.
“That’s why you have a team; that’s why you have the ultimate amount of trust in each one of those guys in the locker room,” Bickerstaff said.
“We believe as long as they are playing to their strengths, they have the ability to help this team win basketball games. Whether you are down-bodies, there is no doubt in my mind that someone in that locker room has the ability to step up.”
#### Observations and notes vs. Pelicans
Thompson was limited due to foul trouble: In addition to playing without Cunningham and Hardaway, the Pistons were nearly without three starters. Ausar Thompson was extremely limited because of his foul troubles. He registered four personal fouls and played just nine minutes.
Bench production proves vital for Detroit: In addition to Holland and Sasser, the Pistons’ bench unit scored 66.
The streak continues: For the 28th consecutive game, the Pistons outscored their opponent from the inside, 66-54 against the Pelicans.
#### Up next
The Pistons will continue their three-game homestand Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs. They play the final game of the stretch against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Tip-off against the Spurs is scheduled for 7 p.m. at LCA.
Originally Published: March 23, 2025 at 7:21 PM EDT