Imagine a basketball game where one team dominates the boards, out-rebounds their opponent by 21, and still manages to shoot poorly from beyond the arc—yet they win by a landslide. That’s exactly what happened when the Detroit Pistons crushed the Charlotte Hornets 112-86 on Saturday night, proving that sometimes, it’s not just about the three-pointers. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a team truly thrive in the modern NBA without a reliable three-point game? Let’s dive into the details.
Cade Cunningham stole the show with a triple-double, racking up 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists—all while sitting out the final four minutes as both coaches cleared their benches. Jalen Duren wasn’t far behind, contributing 19 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing the Pistons’ depth and versatility. Tobias Harris added 19 points, Duncan Robinson chipped in 15, and Ausar Thompson rounded out the starters with 14 points. Remarkably, all five Pistons starters scored in double figures, despite the team shooting a mere 21.4% from three-point range (6 for 28). And this is the part most people miss: Detroit’s dominance on the glass, with a 62-41 rebounding edge, including 17 offensive rebounds, was the real game-changer.
For the Hornets, Kon Knueppel and Miles Bridges each scored 19 points, while Brandon Miller added 14. However, LaMelo Ball had a night to forget, fouling out with just eight points on 3-for-14 shooting. Ball’s struggles were compounded by his foul trouble, as he picked up his fifth foul early in the third quarter after Duncan Robinson’s four-point play extended the Pistons’ lead to 70-52. Charlotte did mount a late 16-3 run to cut the deficit to 79-72, but Ball’s ejection with 6:30 remaining—after missing his last 10 shots—sealed their fate. The Pistons closed out the game with a commanding 31-9 run.
Both teams stumbled in the first half, committing 11 turnovers apiece, but Detroit’s 13-0 run to end the second quarter gave them a 55-45 halftime lead. The Pistons’ ability to control the paint and capitalize on second-chance opportunities ultimately made the difference. Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era where the three-pointer reigns supreme, should teams prioritize rebounding and interior play over long-range shooting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Looking ahead, the Hornets travel to Cleveland on Monday, while the Pistons head to Portland. With Detroit now winning seven of their last nine games, they’re proving to be a force to be reckoned with—even without a stellar three-point game. Will this strategy sustain them in the long run? Only time will tell.
