The Detroit Pistons started the stretch run right with a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesar’s Arena behind a nice all-around game from Cade Cunningham
The Pistons entered the final 24 games with a lot of question marks, but they got some answers last night against Cleveland, who was shorthanded without Darius Garland, Collin Sexton and Caris LeVert.
It was a team effort for Detroit, who got some nice contributions from the bench, including newcomer Marvin Bagley III, who had his best game so far for the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons aren’t going to make he playoffs or even be close but piling up wins in these last games will help them build some confidence and chemistry moving forward, so wins are more important than the slight possibility of lower lottery odds.
Here are three takeaways from the Detroit Pistons’ win over one of their division rivals.
Cade Cunningham vs. Evan Mobley
The Rookie of the Year may come down to the final 23 games for Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley, who many believe are neck-and-neck in the race.
Cade got the better of Mobley last night, putting up superior numbers and getting his team the win at the free-throw line down the stretch.
Both players were quiet at times, but I thought Cade really showed his value with a couple of high-IQ passes off rebounds in the first half that led to easy Pistons’ buckets.
Mobley had three blocks while Cade had two, one of which was on Mobley as he tried to take it up from under the rim.
Cade controlled the offense, ran the fast break well and ended the game with 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and only two turnovers, showing the myriad ways he can affect a game.
Mobley had 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, but was really quiet offensively and got beat at the rim a few times by Marvin Bagley III.
This round goes to Cade Cunningham, who is making a late case for Rookie of the Year.
The Detroit Pistons may have a gem in Marvin Bagley III
When the Detroit Pistons traded for Marvin Bagley III, I had a small but loud group of fans telling me the Pistons were foolish to give up TWO SECOND ROUND PICKS!!!! for a 22-year-old with high-ceiling talent.
Whether Bagley III turns into a star for the Pistons or not, it was a worthwhile gamble, as two late second-round picks are unlikely to yield an NBA rotation player and Bagley III is at least that and maybe more. The Pistons get 23 more games to try him out and will have the inside track on re-signing him, which is well worth two late picks.
The Pistons have been too small all season and Bagley III immediately showed in the first quarter how he can help.
He had a nice show-and-go from the 3-point line in the 1st, pump-faking his man off his feet and then taking it to the rim for the finish. This was something Trey Lyles was effective at doing at times, but often failed to finish.
Bagley III had a weak side block on Jarrett Allen, showing another thing the Pistons have lacked, which is rim protection.
In the second quarter, he caught lob from Cade Cunningham in transition, something we’ve been waiting all season to see. He caught another lob from Kelly Olynyk later in the game with similar results.
He also had a nice bucket off a Killian Hayes pass that really showed how he will benefit the young guards. Hayes got into the lane but was doubled after he picked up his dribble. He was able to dump it off to Bagley III as an emergency outlet under the hoop and Marvin dunked it.
The Detroit Pistons have needed this outlet for their guards all season, as they just didn’t have a guy who they could throw it up to in a pinch. Bagley III certainly still has some flaws but he is already showing how he can help the Pistons.
The Detroit Pistons got unexpected contributions off the bench
Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Jerami Grant went a combined 3-of-18 from the 3-point line, so you wouldn’t think this was a game the Detroit Pistons had a chance to win.
Luckily, they got some unexpected 3-point contributions from their bench in the form of Hamidou Diallo and Rodney McGruder, who went a combined 7-of-7 from long range.
All of Hamidou’s came in the first half, including a buzzer beater to end the second quarter.
McGruder’s four 3-pointers all came in clutch moments, as they either kept the Pistons in the game or gave them the lead.
Can we have a moment of appreciation for Rodney McGruder?
This is a guy who has had an ever-changing role or no role at all but is always ready when he’s called upon.
He’s been traded and untraded twice this season, didn’t complain once and continues to be a positive mentor and scorer off the Pistons’ bench when he does get minutes.
He just does whatever is asked of him and fans should appreciate his professionalism, especially considering he’s on a young team that hasn’t won many games.
Cheers to you, Mr. McGruder!