Most Improved Player, Ron Holland, and a Huge Fight | The Weekly Drive
The Pistons and Timberwolves technically played a basketball game. They also got into a fight.
Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. Detroit when 2-1 this week and continue pushing for the four-seed in the Eastern Conference. But they suffered a setback Sunday when a basketball game turned into Super Smash Bros. on a Minnesota stage. Let’s get into it.
Game Recaps
Game 73: San Antonio 96, Detroit 122
Rapid Detail: This game was over by halftime, as the Pistons led by 26 at the break. Even without their best player, Detroit was more than in control. Marcus Sasser scored a career-high 27 points, continuing his solid play in Cunningham’s absence.
Game 74: Cleveland 122, Detroit 133
Rapid Detail: In what is likely their most impressive win of the season, the Pistons took down the Eastern Conference’s best team without Cunningham again. The Cavs pulled to within two points late in the fourth quarter, but Detroit went on 14-5 run to seal the deal.
Game 75: Detroit 103, Minnesota 123
Rapid Detail: Well, that was technically a basketball game. The already shorthanded Pistons lost three more players and head coach J.B Bickerstaff as a result of a massive second quarter fight that saw seven ejections between both teams. Detroit was up 16 at one point, but after the brawl, they succumbed to the lack of remaining depth. An anomaly of a game.
Should Cade win Most-Improved Player?
Its been a career year for Cunningham, but shouldn’t that be the expectation (eventually) for a first-overall pick? We made the argument that Cade should not be the NBA’s Most Improved Player award recipient. Why? He has been a star in the making for awhile.
Cade Injury Update
The Pistons issued an official statement on Cade Cunningham’s calf contusion, saying that he will remain day-to-day “moving forward”.
Cade has missed the last four games with the injury, one that is pretty tricky for some players. Remember, rookie Bobi Klintman also dealt with a calf contusion that ended up keeping him out for almost three months. Every injury is different, but the Pistons are obviously exerting maximum caution with their franchise player with the playoffs right around the corner.
Marcus Sasser Redemption Tour, Featuring Ron Holland
On the latest edition of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, Aaron and Jasper talked about Marcus Sasser’s excellent few games, Ron Holland stepping up in other player’s absences, and who should win the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
That will do it for this week’s Weekly Drive. The Pistons are still fighting for a higher playoff seed, and the Milwaukee Bucks appear on the verge of collapse. We will learn a lot about this team as the regular season draws to conclusion.
See you next week.
Mike
Great weekly post as always, Mike!