Major Takeaways from the Pistons/Bulls Blowout and What They Mean for the Detroit Pistons For Tonight’s Rematch

In yet another game that reveals a rise in Detroit Pistons stock, they traveled to Chicago to stampede the Bulls in a 132-92 blowout victory. This victory included a 71-29 lead at the half for a 42-point lead, the largest halftime lead in franchise history. Malik Beasley, who’s been a stud all season from three-point range, set the franchise record for most three-pointers in a season, 212, with his seven-for-ten shooting behind the arc last night. For a night, the Detroit Pistons conquered their fear of offensive consistency with at least 27 points per quarter. Here are three major takeaways from last night’s game and what they mean for tonight’s Pistons-Bulls rematch; the last game for both teams before the all-star break. 

Consistency on Both Sides of the Ball

The Detroit Pistons have shown inconsistency defensively and offensively throughout much of their games so far this season. Their defensive consistency was stellar in the first half, allowing just 29 points to be scored on them. The Chicago Bulls made numerous second-half adjustments, shown by their 63-point performance during that half. The Pistons displayed offensive consistency throughout the whole game, a rarity for the squad regardless of outcome. Putting up a minimum of 27 points per quarter, the Detroit Pistons overall shot for a highly impressive 53.1% field-goal percentage. 

This fire for Detroit was particularly set ablaze by Malik Beasley’s 24 points. Cade Cunningham also contributed with 20 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Tobias Harris, in his return season to Detroit, continued the fire with 18 points and three steals. Sophomore Ausar Thompson contributed 16 points, four assists, and four steals. Marcus Sasser was the basketball equivalent of a perfect marksman with 14 points while not missing a single scoring attempt all game.

An important question to ask is if this consistency can continue during the rematch between the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls tonight. This game is the last game for both teams before the all-star break. Barring any injuries, the Pistons have one all-star in Cade Cunningham while the Bulls have none. In addition, the Pistons have one player, Ausar Thompson, competing in the Rising Stars Challenge during the all-star break while the Bulls have no participating players. Cade Cunningham is also participating in the Three-Point Contest. These plans are sure to affect performance tonight one way or another. 

Malik Beasley and Detroit from Three

Malik Beasley, who signed with Detroit during the 2024 NBA Free Agency phase, has provided the Pistons with 212 three-pointers so far this season. This total surpasses the previous franchise record of 211, set by Saddiq Bey during the 2021-22 season, with more from Mailk sure to come. Beasley is also second in the league in three-pointers so far, behind only Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards who has 220 three-pointers so far.

In a league that relies on the three pointer now more than ever, as shown by record-high team three points attempted, Detroit has traditionally been near the bottom of teams in regards to all major three-point shooting statistics including three-pointers made, three-pointers attempted, and shooting percentage. However, with large help to veteran wing Malik Beasley, the Pistons have made huge strides in that regard as they are now in the middle of the pack in all major three-point shooting statistics. Last night, the total squad was firing three-pointers at a 43.9 percent success rate. This is far above the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers in that statistic, given the Cavs are averaging 39.5 percent from the three this season.

With some outliers, the league leaders in three-pointer statistics are also the winningest teams.  Detroit will continue success from last night, not only in tonight’s rematch but for the rest of the season, if they continue their three-pointer success in particular. League leaders in three-point percentage include the Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, and the New York Knicks, all sharing better win-loss records than the Pistons. Relying on the three does not guarantee success, but if Detroit can improve in that regard without sacrificing other aspects of their playstyle, victory will be easier to obtain.

The Debut of Lindy Waters III 

Lindy Waters III was acquired during the NBA Trade Deadline by Detroit. He arrived from the Golden State Warriors in the midst of a multi-team trade that resulted in former Miami Heat player Jimmy Butler landing in Golden State. He made his debut last night, albeit a very rough debut. He shot zero for three overall, all three-point attempts, and got one assist. He also received a personal foul, one of Detroit’s 19 of the game, contributing to another issue plaguing the squad all season.

The Detroit Pistons have been plagued with an issue of fouls all season, but especially last night. Detroit had 19 personal fouls compared to Chicago’s 10. The Pistons are also the league leaders in total personal fouls this season, with 1,095, a little over 20 a game. This is especially noticeable during close losses, of which there have been plenty. They lead the runner-up Brooklyn Nets in this very statistic, as the Nets have 1,080. 

If Waters and Detroit want to improve, they must learn how to balance their current playstyle with being a more disciplined squad. Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is known for a defense-oriented playstyle, which naturally sacrifices open shots for personal fouls. This strategy works against them when fouls ocur late in close games. Waters must also take smarter shots, a recent struggle of his given he hasn’t put a ball through an in-game hoop since January 24th. 

Conclusion

The Detroit Pistons have improved over last year in nearly all aspects, but further improvements in three-point percentage and personal fouls can carry this young squad to the next level in tonight’s Pistons-Bulls matchup as well as the remainder of the season following the all-star break. Continuing success in three-pointers as well as in offensive and defensive consistency is key, as well as improving discipline in the late-game.