UPDATE: The Detroit Pistons secured a thrilling victory over the Atlanta Hawks, winning 99-98 at Little Caesars Arena on December 1, 2023. Despite a tense finish and missed free throws, the Pistons extended their impressive start to the season, now boasting a record of 17-4, the second-best in franchise history.
The game was marked by a dramatic final minute. With just 17 seconds remaining, Cade Cunningham made a crucial layup to push the lead to four points. However, the Pistons faltered at the free-throw line, with Caris LeVert missing two opportunities that could have sealed the win. The Hawks capitalized quickly; Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit a three-pointer to close the gap to just one point with only 1.2 seconds left on the clock.
In a nail-biting conclusion, the Hawks attempted an inbounds alley-oop as time expired, but it fell short, securing the Pistons’ second consecutive win and their 15th victory in 17 games. Jalen Duren shone with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Ron Holland contributed 17 points off the bench, showcasing his ability to energize the team during critical moments.
The Pistons dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Hawks 60-34, including an 18-7 edge in offensive rebounds. Yet, they struggled with ball security, committing 22 turnovers, which allowed the Hawks to score 20 points off those mistakes. This recent trend of turnovers is troubling; the Pistons have now recorded more than 20 turnovers in three consecutive games, raising concerns about their ball-handling as they move forward in the season.
Cunningham, the primary ballhandler, has been at the center of this issue, with eight turnovers against both the Heat and Magic in previous games, and six turnovers against the Hawks. He is not alone, as three other teammates also registered multiple turnovers in this matchup.
As the Pistons look to build on this victory, fans are eager to see how the team addresses its turnover issues while maintaining their strong performance on the boards. Stay tuned for further updates as the season progresses.
For a deeper dive into the Pistons’ journey this season, listen to “The Pistons Pulse,” available on platforms like Apple and Spotify. Follow the Detroit Free Press on social media for the latest updates and insights.
