Victor Wembanyama further established his reputation as basketball’s top defensive player, showcasing his abilities throughout the game.
In contrast, the Detroit Pistons struggled to address one of their significant shortcomings.
The Pistons fell to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday at Little Caesars Arena with a score of 114-103, thus ending their five-game winning streak during a crucial week of home matches.
Wembanyama’s Defensive Impact
Wembanyama’s defensive presence was felt as he recorded six blocks, leading to a dismal shooting performance by the Pistons (42-14), who managed only 37.7% from the field (40-for-106) — their poorest showing of the season. Their struggles extended to beyond the arc, where they made just seven out of 36 attempts (19.4%), matching their third-lowest percentage of the year.
Spurs Shine from Three-Point Range
The Spurs (41-16) excelled in three-point shooting, successfully hitting 18 out of 40 attempts (45%). They were spearheaded by Devin Vassell, who scored 28 points (10-for-14 overall, 7-for-11 from three), alongside Wembanyama’s 21 points, 17 rebounds, and six blocks. Julian Champagnie contributed 17 points, including five three-pointers, while Stephon Castle added 16 points and 11 assists.
Pistons’ Offensive Challenges
Cade Cunningham had a challenging game, scoring just 16 points on 5-for-26 shooting (19.2%), complemented by 10 assists and several defensive plays. Jalen Duren led the Pistons with a more robust performance, netting 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
Physicality and Misfiring
The Pistons’ defense initially pressured Wembanyama, limiting him in the first half, which resulted in a close contest until halftime. However, the Spurs adjusted and capitalized on their three-point shooting, propelling them to a 57-55 lead. The Pistons could not maintain their successful defense and suffered in the third quarter, shooting 29.2% from the field while losing the quarter 26-20.
Mismatched Shooting Performance
The Pistons’ inability to match the Spurs’ shooting was evident, especially from three-point territory, where the Spurs outperformed them significantly. Vassell’s excellent shooting alone often overshadowed the Pistons’ lack of perimeter scoring options. Despite Duren’s efforts, the rest of the team struggled to provide the necessary support.
Looking Ahead
The teams will meet again on March 5 in San Antonio. The Pistons are set to face the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, seeking to shake off this disappointing performance.
