The Detroit Pistons started their 2024-25 season on a positive note by beating the Bucks 120-87 in front of a lively crowd at Little Caesar’s Arena in the first game of the preseason.
It was a surprisingly entertaining game as the Pistons tried to show that they are no longer the doormat of the Eastern Conference.
Both teams were without their full complement of players, as Tobias Harris and Ausar Thompson didn’t play and Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t suit up for Milwaukee.
DISCLAIMER:
This is preseason. The first game of the preseason. Any reactions by nature are overreactions. With that being said, here are some things to be excited/concerned about for the Detroit Pistons.
#1: Ron Holland II is going to win Rookie of the Year!
Ok, let’s pump the brakes here, but Holland II was arguably the most impressive Pistons player last night against the Bucks. He led the team in minutes and his +25 on/off was the highest on the team.
He absolutely changed the tenor of the game when he entered in the first quarter. There was a noticeable difference in defensive intensity, mostly created by Holland, who defended 1-5 and was a pest to all of them. This play is how Holland will make the rotation right of the gate:
"On his butt like back pockets"
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 7, 2024
Holland is showing everyone why Detroit picked him at No. 5 🔒 #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/n0UQhRfurM
He hustled, he made nice plays in transition and he showed excellent awareness on offense, making the extra pass in the half-court to open 3-point shooters when he could have taken a shot himself.
Holland only made four of 10 shots, but added five assists, six rebounds a steal and a block and looked the part of an NBA defender. He got into Damian Lillard’s grill, forced a turnover and then jawed at him, which I loved.
Holland isn’t going to shoot his way into the rotation, he has to defend to get there and he showed how he can impact the game in myriad ways. The shooting may not be there, but when Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson are on the floor together, the other team is going to be in hell.
Great start for the Pistons’ rookie.