In his return to the starting lineup, Duncan Robinson only hit four shots, but they were perhaps the four most critical shots all game in the Detroit Pistons’ 122-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. In the Pistons’ six-point win, Robinson scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds, but it was his knack for the big moment that will be remembered most in Detroit’s win. 

Robinson, who directly rejoined the starting lineup after missing two games with an ankle injury, sank four triples against the Blazers, including a pair of shots late in the 4th quarter that could not have been more clutch. With under two minutes remaining, Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham stole in Portland inbounds attempt and manufactured a difficult bucket to help Detroit close the gap. Right after, Robinson saw his moment to tie the game at 110 points with time running out, and the eight-year NBA vet drilled the three-pointer like he’s done his entire career.

From that point on, Cunningham, Robinson and Ron Holland all made free throws to keep the Pistons in the lead despite a furious Trail Blazers comeback attempt, and Detroit’s nail-biting victory moved the squad to 18-5 on the season, still in first place of the Eastern Conference.

“He relishes those moments,” Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the game. “Since we’ve had him, you just watched him and he’s not afraid of those moments… He’s got nerves of steel and a ton of courage.”

Cade Comes Through In The Clutch

Once again, the Pistons counted on their trusty leader to guide the team to victory late in the game against Portland, and Cunningham delivered in spades. Scoring 29 points on the night, Detroit’s All-Star saved 11 points for the final frame, which is just a hair below his season average in the fourth quarter. All night long, Cunningham was reliable from the free throw line, going 13-for-14 on the night, and he connected on nine such charity stripe attempts in the fourth on Friday night. Additionally, Cunningham added nine assists, four rebounds, three steals and one block in what was a complete performance for the Pistons’ burgeoning superstar. 

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Foul Trouble Was Constant On Both Sides

In the game, both teams were sent to the free throw line with a stunning degree of frequency and totalled 83 shots from the charity stripe altogether. For the Blazers, Sidy Cissoko, Toumani Camara and Kris Murray all fouled out of the game, as did Isaiah Stewart for the Pistons. 

“It wasn’t easy,” Bickerstaff said. “It was frustrating, but again last year I think that would have rattled us, but this year I think you’ve seen the maturation of our group. They were able to handle it well, stay calm and then get out there and execute.”

Before Beef Stew was kicked out of the game, though, he made an emphatic statement as to why he may be the NBA’s best rim protector. And he did it over and over again with one powerful block after another to deny Portland at the basket. 

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“He’s the best defensive center in the league and it’s not close,” Bickerstaff said. “I think it’s time for everybody who watches basketball to recognize it. It’s not just something we see here in Detroit. He's the best defensive big in the game.”

Bickerstaff was effusive in his praise for Stewart’s defensive abilities after the game. The Pistons head coach emphasized how tough it is to dunk on Beef Stew, and he’s not sure why anyone tries to do so at this point. 

On the other end of the court, the Blazers threw out a zone defense multiple times, likely after watching the Pistons struggle against the zone versus Milwaukee on Wednesday. However, Detroit was better prepared for the challenge this time around and was able to get center Jalen Duren involved from within pockets of that zone. Duren finished with 18 points and eight rebounds in the game, just a hair under his season averages in both categories.

After this, the Pistons have another game tomorrow night against the Bucks at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm. 

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