The Detroit Pistons notched their 8th win a row last night despite having nearly as many players on the injury list as off it. The entire starting lineup and two key subs were on the bench in street clothes, and the Pistons were forced to use their deep reserves.
And they responded.
Daniss Jenkins was amazing and looks to have ended the Pistons’ drought of not being able to find players outside of the first round of the draft.
Paul Reed continues to be one of the most underrated players in the game, as he stepped up for 28 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, four steals and a block while shooting 11-of-13 from the floor. In case you were wondering, no player in NBA history has put up that stat line while shooting over 80 percent.
That’s the kind of season it has been for the Pistons so far, as they have embraced a next man up mentality that will serve them well later in the season.
JB Bickerstaff knows injuries can have a silver lining
Of course, no one wants to see the Pistons have 6-7 regulars out of the rotation, but this gives their backups meaningful opportunities to contribute, as JB Bickerstaff knows well:
JB on if there can be upside longterm to having to withstand an injury bug: “It gives everybody experience and opportunity … it’s hard to get better in the NBA without playing NBA games.”
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) November 12, 2025
Not only are these bench players keeping the Pistons atop the standings, but they are gaining valuable experience that they may have to lean on later in the season if there are injuries or foul trouble.
There is only one way to get NBA experience, which is to play, so these injuries have given some of the bench guys a chance to get reps that they weren’t going to get otherwise.
Gregg Popovich, who is one of the greatest coaches of all time, used to choose 1-2 high profile games per season to sit nearly all of his regulars and hand over the game to a bench unit. When asked why he would do this, especially in big games, his reply was that these guys might have to play at some point, and I don’t want it to be the first time they’ve seen the floor.
JB Bickerstaff didn’t do this on purpose, but it is having the same effect. Guys like Jenkins and Reed may have to play more later in the season if there are injuries, foul trouble or the Pistons just need a boost of energy.
They will now have the confidence of knowing they can compete and win against NBA players and won’t be scared of the bright lights of a big game.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but they can help build team chemistry and depth, which is what is happening right now in Detroit.