Despite dealing with several recent injuries, the Detroit Pistons are sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings for the first time in nearly 20 years.
Pistons Notebook: Where Does Red-Hot Start Rank In Franchise History, Reuniting With Young Forward & Injury Updates
Detroit has yet to have a full squad this season and was without four rotational players, including two starters, last night against Washington. Still, the Pistons were able to overcome a double-digit deficit midway through the fourth quarter, forcing overtime and ultimately pulling out a 137-135 victory. Cade Cunningham poured in a career-high 46 points, on 45 shots, to lead five players in double-figures. However, it was unheralded two-way player, Danis Jenkins, who hit the game’s biggest shot of the game as his 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left forced overtime.
Overtime was like a heavyweight as both teams tried for the knockout, but neither team could hit the mark. The teams combined for 18 points, connecting on just 6 of 22 shots from the field, including 1 of 10 from beyond the 3-point line. Yet, the Pistons were able to grab a three-point lead with 25 seconds left and hold on down the stretch.
Cunningham was historically inefficient, draining just 14 of 45 (31.1%) shots from the field along with 2 of 11 (18.2%) from deep. But he did record the first triple-double of the season with 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, and two blocks. According to ESPN, Cunningham is the first player to post those totals in a game since the NBA began tracking steals and blocks in 1973-74. His 45 shots were an NBA season-high, 13 more than any other player,
Daniss Jenkins Has Career Night
Detroit is on a seven-game winning streak and owns a 9-2 overall record. The Pistons are off to their best start through 11 games since 2007-08, when they also won nine of 11 to begin the campaign. Their best mark at this point was in 2005-06 when they went 10-1. With two more consecutive wins, the Pistons would tie the franchise mark for best record with the 2005-06 squad.
The seven-game winning streak ties the franchise’s longest since the 2014-15 campaign; they also won seven consecutive contests last February. As a result of their solid play, the Pistons hold a two-game lead over New York for the top spot in the conference.
Not only did Jenkins hit one of the most important shots of the night for the Pistons, but he also set career-highs across the board. Jenkins finished the game with 24 points, his previous high was five, and eight rebounds, along with three assists. He made 9 of 17 shots from the field and 4 of 6 from the 3-point line in 34 minutes.
Jenkins has appeared in six games this year and 13 for his career. It was the second time this year and for his career that he totaled 20 minutes of action. He saw extensive action due to the numerous injuries the Pistons are experiencing, specifically with Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser, and Ausar Thompson out.
Pistons Reunite With Wendell Moore Jr.
Detroit signed Wendell Moore Jr. yesterday to a two-way deal. At the same time, the 24-year-old was available last night, though he didn’t play against the Wizards.
Moore Jr., who has 90 games of NBA experience, was on the open market since Boston waived him during training camp. Moore was with the Pistons at the start of last season, averaging 3.2 points on 46% shooting in 11 minutes over 20 appearances, before being released at the trade deadline. He finished the season with Charlotte.
Drafted with the No. 22 pick of the 2022 draft by Minnesota, the 6-5 wing can do a little bit of everything. He is versatile defensively, with the capability of guarding four of the five positions, and possesses good enough handles to serve as a secondary ball handler. Offensively, he excels as a cutter and in transition.
Moore is the second player that the Pistons have added in-season. The Pistons claimed Isaac Jones off waivers from the Sacramento Kings last week. Jones has not played for the Pistons, though he did appear in a G-League game with Pistons affiliate Motor City Cruise on November 8, tallying 21 points and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes.
Moore joins Jenkins and Tolu Smith on minor league deals. To make room for Moore, the Pistons waived Colby Jones. Jones, the No. 34 pick in 2023, saw seven minutes of action in one game for the Pistons this year.
Pistons Injury Updates
In addition to Sasser, LeVert, and Thompson being out against Washington, the Pistons also didn’t have Isaiah Stewart, Tobias Harris, or, of course, Jaden Ivey. As a result, JB Bickerstaff used his fourth starting lineup of the campaign: Ron Holland, Jalen Duren, Duncan Robinson, Javonte Green, and Cunningham.
Ausar Thompson
Thompson missed his first game of the season due to a right ankle sprain that he reportedly suffered in Sunday’s win over Philadelphia. While there is no concrete update on Thompson’s status for tomorrow’s game against Chicago at present, it is safe to assume he will be at least questionable.
If Thompson is unable to go, expect Green to see an increase in minutes. Green, who started his first game of the season against the Wizards, has been a significant part of the Pistons’ second unit and is averaging 20 minutes a contest.
Isaiah Stewart
Stewart has missed each of the last games due to an ankle injury. Steward is considered a game-time decision for tomorrow. Paul Reed has seen at least 11 minutes in each of the previous three games and will likely continue to see that much floor time if Stewart remains out.
Caris LeVert
LeVert missed the fourth game of the season on Monday (knee). The 31-year-old is expected to play tomorrow night.
Tobias Harris
Harris has been out since November 2. Before last night’s contest against Washington, Bickerstaff said that while there is no timetable for Harris’ return, the 33-year-old is making progress every day. He is projected to be out for about two more weeks.
Marcus Sasser and Jaden Ivey
Sasser (hip) and Ivey have yet to make their season debut. Sasser will be re-evaluated in early December. He will need at least a week to ramp up once he is cleared. So, mid-December is likely the earliest he will hit the floor.
Ivey could be close to returning. The 23-year-old, recovering from an arthroscopic knee procedure, is slated to be re-evaluated sometime this week. If he receives a clean bill of health, he will likely be ready for action before Thanksgiving.
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