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DETROIT — Despite a slow start, the Detroit Pistons opened their 2024 preseason with a **xxx-xxx** victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena. Although just a preseason matchup, the win marked the first under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Jaden Ivey kicked off the game with a three-pointer for Detroit, but the Pistons quickly went cold, allowing Milwaukee to surge to a 20-3 lead in the first four minutes. Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez powered the Bucks’ early dominance, combining for six three-pointers in the opening period, with Lillard hitting four. Both players sat after the first half, with Lillard tallying 15 points and four rebounds and Lopez contributing eight points and four assists. Bucks big man Bobby Portis also chipped in with 16 points.
Detroit played without forwards Tobias Harris (rest) and rookie Bobi Klintman, who were sidelined for precautionary reasons. During an open practice at Wayne State Fieldhouse on Saturday, a team spokesperson disclosed that Klintman suffered a calf contusion and would be reevaluated in a few days. The Bucks were without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Pistons’ starting unit, featuring Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Simone Fontecchio, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Ivey, struggled to find their rhythm early. However, momentum shifted when Malik Beasley, Isaiah Stewart, and rookie Ron Holland entered the game.
Beasley, one of Detroit’s offseason acquisitions, made an immediate impact by sinking three three-pointers in the first quarter. He also mentored Cunningham throughout the game, offering on-court guidance. Beasley finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Ivey was the hot hand in the first half, hitting five of his first six shots, including 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, en route to 17 points. He continued his scoring in the second half, finishing with a team-high 22 points.
Despite trailing by as many as 14 points early in the second quarter, the Pistons rallied with strong defense and timely scoring from Ivey and third-year big man Jalen Duren. Detroit took its first lead at 53-52 after a second-chance basket by Duren.
Pistons rookie Ron Holland also impressed, contributing on both ends of the floor. In one standout sequence, he locked down Bucks guard Delon Wright, stole the ball, and finished with a transition layup. Holland ended the night with 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
With the game in hand, Detroit expanded its rotation, and Wendell Moore Jr. and Marcus Sasser helped pad the lead. Moore contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, while Sasser added 12 points and nine assists.
Veteran guard struggles in debut
While many Pistons found success, Tim Hardaway Jr. struggled in his debut. In 15 minutes of first-half action, he scored just four points on 1-for-7 shooting, missing all four of his three-point attempts. Though the Bucks played solid defense, most of Hardaway’s misses came on open looks.
‘Quiet’ night for Cunningham
Cade Cunningham played 25 minutes, but his impact was modest. He shot 5-for-13 from the field, finishing with 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Despite his shooting struggles, Cunningham made key baskets and effectively facilitated the offense to keep Detroit in the game during the first half.
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