Pistons point guard Marcus Sasser shines in big road victory
On LeBron James’ 41st birthday, the Pistons were left celebrating after a huge performance from an unlikely source helped seal a 129-106 win for Detroit over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite playing a sparse role since his return from injury, Pistons point guard Marcus Sasser was the decisive agent in securing a big road victory for Detroit on Tuesday night. Bounced into additional playing time with Caris LeVert on the sidelines due to a knee injury, Sasser seized the opportunity to show that he’s ready to reclaim his role as the Pistons’ primary backup point guard.
Logging a season-high 24 minutes against the Lakers, Sasser scored 19 points and provided a timely scoring boost for the Pistons in the second half. Sasser went 5-for-8 from the field, which includes a 66% clip from three-point range, and made a series of clutch shots to help Detroit extend their lead to double-digits in the fourth quarter.
Once again, Sasser showcased his explosive scoring ability in all of its microwave-quick form and even added five assists for good measure in what was a balanced performance from the young, talented ball handler.
Apart from Sasser’s breakthrough night, Detroit guard Cade Cunningham was predictably effective against Los Angeles with 27 points and 11 assists to his credit on an efficient 12-for-19 night from the field. Right from the start, Cunningham was assertive en route to a 20-point first half performance, and Cade simply directed traffic in the second half– with a lengthy breather along the way thanks to Sasser’s production– as the Pistons moved to 25-8 on the season.
Pistons Post Remarkably Efficient Shooting Clip
For much of the season, the Pistons have hung their hat on a smothering defensive front, but Detroit’s clean shooting performance was ultimately what propelled the squad to victory against LA. From a team standpoint, the Pistons shot 64% from the field and followed that up with a crisp 50% mark from behind the arc. Detroit has not been able to count on that kind of accuracy for most of the season, so the sharp shooting came at the right time to bust the squad’s losing streak.
Detroit Gives Up Another 30-Point Scorer
For the fourth consecutive game, the Pistons allowed an opposing player to score at least 30 points as Doncic finished a few points below his season average. Detroit used Ausar Thompson to defend Doncic for much of the first half, but Thompson eventually picked up a pair of fouls, which left Ron Holland to focus his attention on the Slovenian scoring threat.
Holland, true to form, provided an impact immediately by forcing a couple turnovers and providing some uncomfortable defense that forced Luka into a few awkward shots. In the second half, Doncic left the game due to discomfort in his left shoulder, but he returned for the fourth quarter.
To that effect, Pistons forward Tobias Harris started the game for Detroit, but the 15-year veteran suffered a hand injury and left the game without returning.
Next up, the Pistons will take on the Miami Heat at home on New Years Day at 7 pm.
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