Boston Celtics Take Down Detroit In Tough Road Loss

The Pistons drop to 3-9 after losing 112-128 to the Boston Celtics

On a night in which the Pistons shot 21.2% from three against an Eastern Conference powerhouse, this should have gotten ugly really fast. With an unacceptable 4-point performance from Cade Cunningham, fans would think that this matchup was barely a contest. However, this was not the case; exceptional performances from Detroit's other guards kept this one within reach for at least half the game. 

The Jaden Ivey Show

Despite the loss, Pistons fans witnessed flashes of Ivey's true potential. The 5th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has had decent games and numerous highlight-reel plays this season; however, his shortcomings have been incredibly obvious. Tonight had a different script written for the Pistons rookie.

Taking advantage of a slow night for Cade Cunningham, Ivey saw much more volume and capitalized on almost every opportunity. At the half, Ivey already had a double-double and was the Pistons' stat leader in all three major categories; 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. He only added 5 points and 2 assists in the five minutes of action he saw in the second half, but the poise and maturity Ivey showcased after only 12 games in the NBA is shocking. 

The scoring clinic was a treat to watch; however, this performance proved that Ivey can easily quarterback the Pistons' offense when Coach Casey calls his number. The third quarter was an excellent representation of this, as nearly every possession that resulted in a score began with dribble penetration from the speed demon, Ivey. 

Killian's Breakout

The third-year Piston came to play tonight. There was no hesitation with his jump shots; he got to his spots, let it fly, and scored in bunches. To compliment his stroke, he powered his way to the rim on multiple occasions with an aggression that fans have not seen from him thus far in his career. Killian's defensive presence was always his primary strength. However, with the offensive showcase he displayed today (16 points, 7-12 shooting), it is clear that his potential is far higher than he is typically credited with. 

The Tatum-Brown Tandem

This duo brings everything a team needs on both ends of the floor. The scoring punch they provide on all three levels makes both players legitimately unguardable. The two combined for 61 points and took turns going on individual runs when hot. 

On the other end, Tatum's lateral quickness has improved drastically, and paired with Brown's perennial defensive presence, Cade was a complete non-factor, and the Pistons had far more trouble scoring tonight than we have ever witnessed.