Cade Scores 31, But Heat’s Shooting and Boards Sink Pistons
The Detroit Pistons never looked rattled Thursday night — they just never quite seized control.
In a 118–112 loss to the Miami Heat, Detroit found itself chasing the game for most of the night, making runs that felt promising only to see them snuffed out again and again. The Pistons showed fight, flashed defensive intensity at times, and got another big scoring night from Cade Cunningham — but this one came down to two things they couldn’t overcome: Miami’s shooting and Miami’s work on the glass.
It wasn’t a collapse.
It was a game where the Pistons were stuck in neutral for long stretches — and that’s enough to lose to a team like the Heat.
One Player They Couldn’t Solve
This loss followed a familiar pattern.
Detroit’s defense had its moments, but once again, one opposing scorer tilted the game. This time, it was Norman Powell, who repeatedly punished Pistons runs and finished with 36 points, knocking down shots whenever Detroit appeared ready to flip momentum.
Powell wasn’t alone. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 19 points, providing steady offense and timely baskets that kept Miami in front. Every time the Pistons made it feel close, Powell or Jaquez seemed to be there to steady things.
To Detroit’s credit, the Pistons did hold Miami below its 120 points-per-game average, and well below the 130-plus the Heat had scored in their previous two games. But slowing a team down isn’t the same as stopping it — and Miami always had answers.
The Possession Battle Told the Story
If there was one area that quietly decided this game, it was offensive rebounding.
Miami won the offensive glass 15–6, creating extra possessions in a game where every trip mattered. Those second-chance opportunities consistently stalled Detroit’s momentum and led to multiple empty possessions on the other end.
In a six-point loss, that difference loomed large.
Add in 20 Pistons turnovers — well above their season average — which led to 26 Miami fast-break points, and the math became hard to overcome.
Cade Was There — Even on an “Off” Night
Cade Cunningham did what franchise players do. He carried the load.
Cade finished with 31 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds, but by his standards, this was an off shooting night. He went 6-for-16 from the field (37%), and while he lived at the free-throw line (17-for-18), there were stretches where the offense slipped into too much isolation and forced looks.
Most players would gladly take this version of an off night. For Detroit, it just wasn’t enough to overcome Miami’s efficiency and rebounding edge.
Bench Spark: Sasser Makes the Most of His Minutes
One of the most encouraging developments came from the bench.
Marcus Sasser delivered 18 points in 24 minutes, knocking down 4-of-6 from three and providing real offensive punch for the second straight game. After missing time earlier in the season, Sasser is clearly finding his rhythm — and he’s doing more with his minutes right now than others in the rotation.
That contrast showed up elsewhere. Jaden Ivey logged 21 minutes but finished with just 2 points, struggling to find offensive impact. It’s not a referendum — both players are working their way back — but it’s fair to note who is making the most of opportunities.
If Detroit explores roster upgrades later this season, one of those names will almost certainly enter the conversation. Right now, Sasser’s value is trending up.
The Injury That Shifted the Night
Detroit’s margin for error narrowed even further just before halftime.
Jalen Duren exited late in the second quarter with a knee injury. He attempted to return after halftime but ultimately did not return. Before leaving, Duren had logged 18 minutes and scored 12 points, providing interior presence Detroit sorely missed down the stretch.
Without him, Miami’s rebounding advantage became even more pronounced — and Detroit’s path to closing the gap got steeper.
Stat Capsule 🏀
Final: Heat 118, Pistons 112
Pistons Leaders
- 🏀 Cade Cunningham: 31 PTS | 11 AST | 8 REB
- 🏀 Marcus Sasser: 18 PTS (4–6 3PT)
- 🏀 Jalen Duren: 12 PTS (18 MIN, left with knee injury)
- 🏀 Ausar Thompson: 12 PTS | 2 STL | 2 BLK
Team Shooting
- FG: 38–80 (48%)
- 3PT: 9–26 (35%)
- FT: 27–31 (87%)
Game Factors
- Offensive Rebounds: MIA 15 | DET 6
- Turnovers: DET 20 → 26 MIA fast-break points
- Largest Lead: MIA 22
- Time Led: MIA 84% | DET 14%
Big Picture Takeaway
This wasn’t about effort.
It was about details — extra possessions, timely shooting, and Detroit never quite dictating the terms of the game. The Pistons are still one of the most competitive teams in the East, but nights like this underline how thin the margins become when injuries pile up and execution slips.
Are these games exposing a matchup issue for the Pistons — or just the kind of night where momentum never quite flips? Drop a comment below or join the conversation in the Pistons Hardwood Hub — where fans break down every game, every angle.
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Info gathered from team reports, box scores & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
