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NBA Fans React to Pistons’ Preseason Opener Blowout vs. Bucks

The Detroit Pistons picked up their first win of the preseason against the Bucks on Sunday.
Justin Grasso|
Oct 6, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Detroit PistonsMilwaukee Bucks

The Detroit Pistons are coming off of a rough showing last season. Following a 14-68 year, the Pistons were the laughingstock of the NBA. As a result, the team’s ownership decided to make key changes.

A new front office led to a new coaching staff and a tweaked roster. While the Pistons understand they won’t be able to expedite their way into contention, they hope to turn things around a little quicker this year with some veteran additions and positive development from their young core players.

Sunday night offered the first opportunity for the Pistons to get out on the floor and put their new-look team to work. Playing in their first outing under J.B. Bickerstaff, the Pistons were nearly fully healthy and able to put some new names out on the floor.

A slow start likely caused some eye-rolls from fans and generated chuckles from those who root against the Pistons. As Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard got hot from the field early on, the Pistons trailed by 18 points early.

Once Detroit got it together, they managed to gain the lead by halftime. The next thing you know, Detroit was holding the lead by as many as 33 points. By the time the game was heading into the fourth quarter, it was clear Detroit was on its way to coming out on top.

The Early Reaction

@LoswitheMos: "Looks like the pistons are in midseason form."

@ImClique_: “Pistons down 20-3 in 4 minutes of gametime welcome back basketball.”

@aburnhshoops: “The Pistons are so back.”

Pistons Get the Last Laugh

@cableman0: “No one wanna post the Pistons score now with the laughing emojis.”

@jeremie_loyalty: “Hope this energy carries into the season can’t wait until opening night.”

@motocitypoison: “We’re making the Play-In build the Bickerstaff statue already.”

J.B. Bickerstaff’s rotation decisions led to plenty of praise throughout the night from fans. So did the play from the starting guard, Jaden Ivey.

In nearly 23 minutes of action, Ivey hit on all but two of his shots from the field. He went 3-3 from deep and ended the night with 22 points. He led the way for the Pistons’ starting lineup.

Detroit knocked off the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks 120-87. While it’s just preseason, and Milwaukee missed its MVP-caliber player, the Pistons came away feeling positive about the victory.

They’ll take the court for Game 2 of the preseason on Tuesday, October 8, for a matchup against the Phoenix Suns.

More Pistons on SI

Pistons Veteran Has Ultimate Praise for Cade Cunningham

Pistons Rookie Reacts to His First Day of NBA Training Camp

Cade Cunningham Opens up on Having Fully Healthy Offseason

Pistons Sharpshooter Offers Pre-Camp Injury Update

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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