Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff reflected on a 119-108 loss to the Toronto Raptors, pointing to a lack of physicality in the third quarter. “We didn’t dictate well enough on that end of the floor…gave them second, third opportunities,” he said.
Bickerstaff highlighted the impact of Toronto’s size and offensive rebounding. “Now with that size that they have in Poeltl doing a great job of finding that position to get on the offensive glass…we just didn’t dictate enough defensively.”
He addressed the team’s struggles with offensive rebounding. “The ball got loose so our bigs had to help a lot…they were quicker to the ball and had multiple guys attacking it…they did a better job than us tonight.”
Bickerstaff commented on Dario Saric’s return. “Being on a minutes restriction…hard trying to figure out his rhythm…his effort was great, his ability to defend obviously was there to be disruptive…he’s just working his way back and he’ll be fine.”
The coach also discussed Kevin Huerter’s role off the bench. “He’s a really good basketball player who can fit with this group…we just have to find him opportunities to do it…not always easy because we have so many guys that can help us at that wing position.”
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham scored 33 points with nine assists, while Tobias Harris added 21 and Jalen Duren had 20 points and 11 rebounds. Despite strong individual performances, the Pistons could not contain Brandon Ingram, who scored a game-high 34 points for the Raptors.
Bickerstaff noted the team must improve defensively to compete with top teams. “If you’re not controlling the basketball, your big guy’s got to help…it’s going to be hard to survive.” The Pistons shot 64.9% in the first half but cooled to 26.9% in the third quarter, allowing Toronto to seize control.
Detroit’s bench showed flashes, but Bickerstaff emphasized team cohesion over individual output. “We’ve got to give guys like Huerter chances…he can help this group, but we have to find opportunities for him to be effective.”
The loss snapped Detroit’s three-game win streak, while the Raptors improved to back-to-back wins, holding sixth in the Eastern Conference. Toronto’s upcoming matchup is at Chicago on Wednesday, and Detroit will travel to face Washington on Tuesday.
