The Detroit Pistons outscored the Grizzlies 26-10 in Monday’s preseason win

Last season, the Pistons scored the second-most fastbreak points per game in the NBA, and Detroit kept that quick-paced focus during Monday’s 128-112 preseason victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. 

As expected, Pistons star Cade Cunningham ran the show in the first half en route to a game-high 20 points as Detroit charged back from an early deficit with a 50-point explosion in the second quarter. Cunningham used a soccer overhead throw-in technique to jumpstart the fast break with a full-court pass at one point, and the All-Star guard also smoothly finished an up-and-under lob attempt in the high-octane first half on Monday. 

“I think the urgency and everything was just up,” Cunningham said about the 16-point victory. “We got stops, rebounds and ran. I mean, that's when we're at our best for real is when we get out on the break, get stops. So, we’ve just got to continue to build on that, continue to sharpen up. We're trying to speed teams up a little bit differently now, so, you know, just continuing to get better and better at it as preseason goes along so we're ready for the season.”

According to Cunningham, the Pistons plan to utilize their speed and athleticism by turning stops on defense into quick points on offense. Detroit has the benefit of starting both Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, two of the quicker players in the league, so it would be wise to expect an up-tempo approach from the Pistons this season. 

“It definitely felt good to just get up and down, play and be in the arena again,” Cunningham said. “That's the best, so it felt good. I just wanted to have a good start, as far as the starting group, make sure we had a good first game. We started super slow, so I think that kind of kicked on my scoring and everything. But, [I’m] really just trying to get the group going and try to get us a good start.”

Cunningham also mentioned that the Pistons will be giving teams a lot of different looks this season as he plans to play both on and off the ball in different scenarios. 

“I felt comfortable for sure,” Cunningham said. “It's good to mix it up. It's good to be on the ball, off the ball, give different looks. I think it's good for the group, as far as me and AT, to allow us to really put our energy out there on the line. 

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When Cunningham was subbed out of the game against the Grizzlies, the Pistons had a combination of players carry the ball up the floor, a group that included Ausar Thompson, Caris LeVert and Jaden Ivey. 

“Picking our spots and kind of going back and forth I think is good for both of us,” Cunningham said. “AT is a guy that can initiate offense at a high level, you know what I mean? So, just giving him room to get more and more comfortable with it as preseason goes along, I think it'll be a big weapon for us.”

During the offseason, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff preached that versatility and adaptability will be hallmarks of Detroit’s team this year, so expect players to rotate at a high level during the 2025-26 campaign. 

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