The Pistons ended the year strong with a dominant victory against the Lakers and Marcus Sasser was a huge catalyst for the win. Sasser has flown under the radar this season after missing the first few weeks of the season with injury. But he had a standout performance in Los Angeles and proved his worth as a shooter and defender.
Marcus Sasser could be exactly what the Pistons needed
Sasser was extremely active in his 24 minutes of action Tuesday night. He had 19 points, 5 assists and 2 steals - a solid statline for any Pistons guard not named Cade Cunningham, but especially one still getting reacclimated after a major injury. He stuffed the box score, but his confidence shooting the ball really stood out.
In total, Sasser hit a team-high 4 threes and he had no fear taking any of them. He's extremely comfortable shooting off the dribble, whether it's a stepback in the halfcourt or walking into a three on the fastbreak. Sasser's potent shooting gives the Pistons offense another level and could help elevate them to a contender this season, even without making any huge trades.
The Pistons have been sorely lacking in confident shooters this season. Duncan Robinson has fulfilled his role as a movement sniper well, but the team hasn't been great from long range outside of him. The return of Sasser to his best shooting form lets the Pistons keep a dangerous shooter on the floor at all times. It could be the exact boost that Detroit's offense needs to reach the next level.
But Sasser shone in other ways too. His confidence handling the ball allowed Cade Cunningham to play off the ball and be more aggressive scoring downhill. At times, Sasser flashed his own playmaking ability that can rival Cade. That's always been the biggest knock against Sasser playing as a point guard in the NBA, but he can prove he's ready for a bigger role by creating more for others.
Sasser also proved that he fits perfectly into the Pistons' team culture with his lockdown defense. He was disruptive in passing lanes and even picking the pocket of ball handlers in isolation. Despite his smaller size, his hustle and toughness allows him to be a difference maker on defense. It could be a concern in the playoffs against a team with big scorers but Sasser held his own against the Lakers - who employ two of the biggest ball-handling wings in the NBA.
The Pistons have been searching for another two-way player with shooting to complete their rotation. Even while they've seen a lot of success this season, they knew another piece could take them over the top. If Marcus Sasser can establish himself in that role, the Pistons will be a major threat against any playoff opponent.