Detroit head coach JB Bickerstaff acknowledged his team’s effort after a tough 118-112 loss to the Miami Heat. “I love the way our guys play. I love the way they compete. I love how resilient they are…things weren’t going our way most of the night, but they stayed with it,” he said.
Bickerstaff highlighted Detroit’s ability to fight back in the second half. “We figured out a way to put ourselves back in the game…down the stretch they made tough shots over the top of us that kind of gave them a little bit of cushion, but again I thought our guys did a heck of a job just staying with it, staying together and competing through it,” he explained.
The coach credited Paul Reed for his impact off the bench. “I thought he did a great job and that’s what Paul Reed does…he brings great effort, great energy. He can play multiple positions…coming in late in games, he was great for us and deserves a lot of credit,” Bickerstaff said.
Bickerstaff also discussed Marcus Sasser’s contributions despite limited playing time this season. “We trust him…he came in and was great for us last year in his minutes. Through training camp, he played well. We know he’s a talented basketball player, a high-level scorer and a tough-minded dogged defender,” he said.
Jalen Duren’s status was addressed after he was unable to finish the game. “He wanted to give it a go and see how he felt, but he just didn’t feel he could do the things he needed to do. I’ll get more information in the next couple days,” Bickerstaff added.
Despite trailing by as much as 22 in the second half, the Pistons closed the gap to five points late, led by Reed’s six points and five rebounds off the bench. Cade Cunningham had 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Sasser added 18.
Bickerstaff emphasized the importance of the team’s energy and cohesion. “Give our guys a ton of credit for staying with it…being down bodies and all that, but staying together and competing through it,” he said.
Detroit will look to regroup as they visit Cleveland on Sunday, hoping to rebound from the tough road defeat while maintaining the resilience Bickerstaff praised.
