Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr. lead Pistons to victory over Raptors

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Jan 11, 2025

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DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons have done a solid job of filling a vacancy created by an injured player. All season long, coach J.B. Bickerstaff has preached the importance of employing a collective effort. His philosophy has contributed to the Pistons' 4-1 record despite the loss of Jaden Ivey.

However, there have been a handful of moments when the Pistons struggled to replace the production of their injured player, which has played a vital role in a handful of losses. Tim Hardaway Jr. missed Thursday's contest against the Golden State Warriors because of a back injury, and his absence was vital in Detroit's three-point loss.

"We missed him," coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "His off-ball movement for our offense is huge. The intensity he brings to the game is huge. We try to allow guys the freedom to lead by who they are, and Timmy is one of the most intense players I've ever been around. He is always fired up, and that carries over to the other guys. When he is not out there, we definitely miss him."

Hardaway returned to the lineup Saturday night during the Pistons' home contest against the Toronto Raptors. He proved his importance to the team with his best-scoring performance of the season. He finished with a season-high 27 points on 7-of-8 3-point shooting. He scored 16 points in the first half. Hardaway's contribution led to the Pistons' 123-114 win over the Raptors at Little Caesars Arena.

Cade Cunningham recorded his eighth triple-double of the season with 22 points, 17 assists and 10 rebounds. At 8:23 in the fourth quarter, Cunningham scored a 3-point basket, giving the Pistons a 106-100 lead. However, the Raptors went on a 9-3 run to tie the score at 109 with five minutes left.

On Detroit's next offensive possession, Tobias Harris, who recorded 17 points and seven rebounds, broke the tie with a floater. Harris' basket began a 9-2 run that carried Detroit to its sixth victory over the last seven games. The Pistons improved to 20-11 overall.

With two minutes left, Malik Beasley put the game out of reach with his fourth made 3-pointer of the night. He scored 18 points off the bench.

For a team in the running for projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, the Raptors began the night clicking on all cylinders.

Chris Boucher set an early tone for the Raptors by scoring 14 points during the first quarter with four made 3-pointers. Toronto maintained its momentum in the second quarter, which led to the Pistons trailing 66-65 by intermission.

Boucher was one of seven players who scored in double figures. Immanuel Quickley scored a team-best 25 points, while Scottie Barnes added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Observations and notes vs. Raptors

— Pistons and Bickerstaff stand in support of relief efforts: Due to the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, Bickerstaff donated $500 for every assist the Pistons recorded against the Raptors.

Detroit also joined the NBA family in raising awareness and offering directions on where fans can show their support. For information on how to donate to the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, Team Rubicon, and World Central Kitchen, visit https://cares.nba.com/wildfire-relief-efforts/.

— Ausar Thompson is starting to look like himself: Ausar Thompson appeared in his second game since returning from an illness. Unlike his performance against the Warriors on Thursday night, Thompson looked more like himself, active and energized on both ends.

However, there were a handful of moments when it appeared that Thompson was still working his way back into game shape. He played 20 minutes and notched six points, four rebounds and three assists.

— Cunningham's defensive play: Cunningham had one of his best defensive games of the season. He recorded one block against the Raptors, but there were a handful of shots he altered because of his defense. His play against Toronto was an indication of the steps he has taken this season on the defensive end.

Up next

The Pistons will hit the road for a contest against the New York Knicks on Monday. They will then return to Little Caesars Arena for a two-game homestand that begins Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers. Tipoff between the Pistons and Knicks is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.