Detroit was shorthanded in its 18-point preseason loss to the Cavs on Tuesday 

Playing basketball without Cade Cunningham was always going to spell trouble for the Detroit Pistons.

With George Blaha back on the mic, the Pistons preseason broadcast felt a bit more like a customary regular season game, but Detroit was without a few important, familiar faces in the contest– Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Caris LeVert were all inactive for the exhibition matchup against the Cavs. With the deck stacked against the Pistons from the start, the Cavaliers were able to secure an 18-point win at home by a final score of 118-100 on the night. 

First Half Was A Series Of Runs

Early on, Cunningham’s absence was felt throughout the majority of the first quarter as the Pistons struggled to find continuity in their offense. Without Cunningham, the Pistons started Daniss Jenkins, who had a standout season of over 21 points and six assists per game a year ago for the Motor City Cruise. 

It is interesting to note that Jenkins was given the starting nod over a potential preseason start for Marcus Sasser. This could be an indication as to how Detroit views the competition for its backup point guard spot right now.

As expected, Ausar Thompson set up the offense a lot more often without Cade, and the 6-7 swingman did a quality job of initiating sets for Detroit. Thompson also added a nice steal and snagged a block early on, but his defensive aggressiveness was called for a pair of quick fouls. So far, it is clear that the Pistons are entrusting Thompson with a lot of responsibility this season, easing him into that role through a high usage rate in the preseason, one that yielded a team-high three assists in the first half. 

ESPN Highlights Pistons Trio Of Cunningham, Thompson And Holland <i>The Pistons could make some noise with its young, talent-laden squad this year</i>

The Cavs held the advantage for much of the first quarter, going 5/7 from three-point range at one point, and Cleveland went on a 14-1 run at one point. However, Ron Holland and the Pistons climbed back into the game with a 20-5 run starting at the final minute of the first quarter. Detroit then went back to its defensive roots as Isaiah Stewart held down the paint, and the Pistons traded spots back and forth in the lead with the Cavs towards the tail end of the first half with Holland as the team’s leading scorer (11 points) by halftime. Ultimately, the Cavs held a slim 62-57 advantage at home after two quarters.

Starters More Prevalent In Second Half

As opposed to the first two preseason games for the Pistons, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff played his starters much deeper into the game this time out. Perhaps it’s the fact that Detroit entered the game a bit short-staffed on its bench, but Harris, Thompson and Holland all played deep into the third quarter. 

Entering the fourth quarter with a nine-point deficit, the Pistons conceded a significant run by Lonzo Ball as the Cavs eventually stretched out their advantage to double digits midway through the final stanza. 

Harris and Jenkins were bright spots on the night for Detroit with 19 points apiece, the latter going three-of-four from long range. 

The Pistons will close out the preseason with a home game against the Washington Wizards on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 7 pm.

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