Pistons fall to Cavaliers in Bickerstaff's second homecoming

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Jan 27, 2025

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CLEVELAND — There are few instances where a divorce results in both parties finding themselves in a favorable situation within six months. However, coach J.B. Bickerstaff managed to secure a new position with the Detroit Pistons two months after his divorce from the Cleveland Cavaliers was finalized in May.

Although the Pistons entered Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Monday night 13 games behind the Cavaliers for first place in the Eastern Conference, Bickerstaff has been experiencing more success with his new team over the past seven days. Detroit had a 2-1 record the previous week, while Cleveland (1-3) embarked on a season-long three-game losing streak.

"Happiness doesn't get clicks," Bickerstaff said. "Everybody is looking for a story, but we do not have a story. We are here to play a game. I had great relationships with guys over in the other locker room. I have no hate towards them. I am happy for them. We try to embrace people's successes.

"There are 450 guys in the NBA and 30 head coaches. If you are trying to find a way to bring negativity to people who have made it to that point against those odds, then something is wrong with you. Not with the people who are involved in it."

Bickerstaff has been pleased with the Pistons' progress during the first six months under his tutelage. However, he was unable to showcase Detroit's improvements in Cleveland during a 110-91 loss. The game marked the second time this season the Pistons failed to win a game amid Bickerstaff's homecoming.

Cade Cunningham led the team with 22 points despite shooting inefficiently 9 of 26, including 0 of 4 from 3-point range and seven assists. Malik Beasley contributed to five of Detroit's 10 made 3-point field goals, scoring 19 points.

The Pistons suffered their second consecutive loss, bringing their overall record to 23-23. They finished the game shooting 38.9% from the floor, 28.6% on 3-point shooting and 63.6% from the foul line.

The effects of the season-long five-game road trip appeared to have taken a toll on the Pistons. They were never really out of the game until midway through the third quarter when Cleveland extended its halftime lead (55-45) to 18 points at the 3:07 mark.

The Pistons seemed to lack energy against the Cavaliers on both sides. Whenever it looked like Detroit would get within striking distance, Cleveland would embark on a run that would hinder the Pistons' momentum.

Six players scored in double figures for Cleveland: Darius Garland (22 points and seven assists), Donovan Mitchell (21 points and six assists), Ty Jerome (15 points), Jarrett Allen (15 points and 11 rebounds), Evan Mobley (11 points and 13 rebounds) Max Strus (10 points).

Observations and notes vs. Cavaliers

— Cavs limit Cade on the offensive end: The Cavaliers' defense did a number on Cunningham. They put together an interesting defensive scheme that made Cunningham believe he was playing his defender one-on-one. However, the person who was guarding Cunningham would force him into the man in help defense.

Cleveland's defense resulted in the former No. 1 pick struggling significantly in the first half. Cunningham began the night shooting 3 of 13 from the floor, 0 of 2 on 3-point shooting for eight points. He shot 2 of 10 in the second quarter after missing his first seven attempts.

— A lack of transition buckets: To understand the Pistons' fatigue, one must look at their transition points. Against the Cavaliers, Detroit only scored seven fastbreak points. Coming into the game, the Pistons were ranked third in fastbreak points with an average of 18.1.

— Tobias Harris was available: Tobias Harris spent the last 24 hours on the Pistons' injury report. A head injury he sustained against the Magic on Saturday left the veteran forward questionable against the Cavaliers. Harris was available but did not have an impact. He played 26 minutes and shot 1 of 9 for two points.

Up next

The Pistons will close their five-game road trip on Wednesday in a game against the Indiana Pacers. They will play their first home game in 13 days Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off between the Pistons and Pacers is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

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