Playing on short rest, the Detroit Pistons arrived in San Francisco looking for a sense of redemption against the Golden State Warriors, and the Eastern Conference’s top squad showed that they have resiliency embedded in their core. 

After a tough loss to the Suns the night before, Detroit wiped the slate clean and started fresh against the Warriors. Duncan Robinson, in particular, started hot with four triples in the first quarter, and the Pistons jumped out to a considerable lead that they’d carry throughout the contest, winning 131-124.

For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham played with a passionate, fiery game en route to 29 points, 11 assists and four rebounds. At one point, Cunningham chastised his teammates for lazy transition defense in a display of leadership that the team, particularly Jalen Duren, needed at that moment. 

Later on during another stoppage, Pistons veteran forward Tobias Harris took Daniss Jenkins aside to coach the youngster up a bit, and the speedy two-way guard was receptive of the sage advice. Jenkins finished with 12 points, four assists and two rebounds, and he’s quickly becoming a key member of the Pistons’ late-game rotation.

When Detroit’s lead dwindled late in the fourth quarter, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff opted to use Jenkins instead of Ausar Thompson for a smaller lineup, likely due to Daniss’ ability to hit three-pointers. With the added perimeter gravity on the floor, Detroit survived a late Warriors push even without Steph Curry, who left mid-way through due to injury and did not return. 

Despite the lack of defensive hustle that Cunningham corrected, Duren was a major piece of the Pistons’ offensive gameplan on Friday night. Entering the game, Duren was one of only three players in the NBA to average at least 15 points and 10 rebounds per game, and JD surpassed his typical output with 21 points and 13 boards against Golden State. 

Duren was far from his efficient self with a 50% field goal percentage that falls well below his usual rate, but the All-Star hopeful was relentless on the offensive glass. As JD grabbed a half dozen offensive boards, the Pistons picked up several more possessions that ultimately played a role in their 21st clutch win of the season, which ranks No. 1 in the league. 

As for the Pistons’ proverbial Swiss Army knife, Ausar Thompson made most of his impact away from the bucket, scoring just seven points, but that is not to undersell his impact in other facets– Thompson was everywhere. With eight rebounds and six steals, Ausar was a physical presence all game long, and he was particularly flashy with the basketball on the other end. Without scoring much, Thompson dazzled with his ball handling, mixed in lightning-quick cross overs and incisively spun his way through the Warriors’ defense with the balance of a gymnast. 

Next up, the Pistons will face the Brooklyn Nets at home on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 6 pm.

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