JB Bickerstaff describes the tough changes needed to win against the Suns

The Detroit Pistons got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 108-105 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.

Their 29th regular season win did not come easily. The Pistons showed clear signs of rust with three starters back in the starting lineup. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris are back from injuriesafter being inactive for a number of games.

Detroit scored some tough points during the match, but still managed to end up victorious. Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff weighed in after the game about what it took to beat the Suns as he tries to help the players get their groove back.

“I mean, again, it’s us, right? We’re an elite defensive team. It’s not going to be an easy game tonight. Obviously, give them credit for how good they are in the style they play, but it’s also tough to get as many guys back into the lineup as we were trying to get,” Bickerstaff told the media.

“Like how many guys were trying to figure it out, get into their own rhythm in the first half? But again, give our guys a ton of credit for sticking with it like they always do. They lift each other up, they support each other, they all use their minutes. So again, give our guys a ton of credit for just figuring it out.”

The Pistons lost as many as 16 points to Phoenix in the first half. They allowed the penetration of forward Grayson Allen, who scored 33 points in 31 minutes. Phoenix was a problem all game from 3-point range, averaging 37% and knocking down 17 of their 46 attempts. This production even came without the assistance of star quarterback Devin Booker, who was inactive due to injury.

The Suns’ defense also gave the Pistons big problems. Detroit shot 47% from the field and struggled from long range by hitting just 28% of its attempts. Phoenix forced the Pistons into sloppy possession with 17 turnovers. They also limited Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham to one of his worst performances of the season with 10 points on 3-of-16 shooting from the field and 0-of-7 from 3. Cunningham and forward Ron Holland led the Pistons with five turnovers apiece.

The Pistons were also in a funk from the free throw line, finishing a blistering 62% and shooting 23-of-37. Detroit was unable to slam the door on Phoenix late as they missed eight free throws in the final three minutes of the game. Their improved defense in the second half helped flip the switch and keep the game at bay. Detroit was able to cool down Phoenix significantly by holding them to 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Homecoming game for the Pistons Poor Ivey

Guard Jaden Ivey provided significant help off the bench. After a rough night last game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Ivey provided the spark he needed in his 17 minutes of action. He was the best in the bench with 15 points. Ivey produced some of his own top jumpers while also being a reliable floor-spacing shooter who also hits catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.

Ivey has adjusted a lot in his role when the Pistons come off the bench. Detroit was very patient in getting him back on track after he came back from his leg injury last season and his surgery after the preseason. Ivey talked about his performance Thursday night and the impact after the game with the media.

“Yeah, I’m just doing my job. I’m doing my role. It kind of comes naturally when I’m on the court. I’m just playing my best every chance I get. I thought tonight I was able to hit shots that I missed a few nights ago, and I made them tonight. So that was great,” Ivey revealed.

The Six Pistons finished the night in double figures. Guard Duncan Robinson led the team in scoring with 19 points. Center Jalen Duren made an impressive comeback with 16 points and 18 rebounds in a celebratory night on the cover of his SLAM magazine. Forward Tobias Harris added 16 points of his own on his comeback night.