Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff highlighted his team’s defensive performance following Saturday’s 109-87 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis.
“I thought we did a really good job. Nothing came easy for them. Felt like, you know, most of the shots were contested. The shots that we’ll live with, I thought we communicated well. We were physical. I thought we did a great job defensively. Overall,” Bickerstaff said, emphasizing the Pistons’ ability to disrupt Minnesota’s offense.
The win saw seven Pistons score in double figures, led by Tobias Harris with 18 points. Bickerstaff attributed the team’s balanced scoring to a diversified offensive approach. “That’s when we’re at our best. You know we diversify our offense. You know everybody gets an opportunity to touch it, share it, be a part of it. With the injuries and the bodies that we’re down, it’s just a great way to attack people. It gives them diversity. Don’t give them a steady diet of just one thing. I think our guys have found success in it.”
The Pistons’ defense limited Minnesota to 31.8% shooting overall and a season-low 21% from three-point range. Bickerstaff credited positioning and contesting shots for the success. “I think our contests, I think we were in the right spot and we didn’t give up many open threes. If teams want to take a bunch of threes, if we can be in their face and contest them, they got to shoot them over our length. I thought tonight we did a great job,” he said.
Bickerstaff also noted the team’s offensive progression, focusing on movement and spacing to create opportunities. “If everything is stagnant, if everything is on one side, if everything is 0 to 1 pass possessions, that becomes very easy to defend. But the more you move the ball, the more you chase defenses, the more likely they are to make a mistake and give you an opportunity. And I think our guys have,” he said.
Detroit built a 33-24 lead after the first quarter and extended the advantage to 49-44 at halftime despite a brief Minnesota rally led by Donte DiVincenzo. Jalen Duren added 10 points and 13 rebounds, while Daniss Jenkins and Ronald Holland II each contributed 13 points. Paul Reed scored six quick points, and Caris LaVert added two fadeaway jumpers in the first quarter.
Minnesota, missing Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Ayo Dosunmu, struggled offensively. Rudy Gobert recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds, while DiVincenzo led the team with 22 points. The Timberwolves shot a season-low 32% from the floor.
The Pistons’ win improved their record to 54-20, maintaining a four-game lead over Boston in the Eastern Conference. Detroit will travel to Oklahoma City on Monday, while Minnesota faces the Mavericks the same night.
