Guard Cade Cunningham says the Detroit Pistons still draw motivation from the franchise’s 28-game losing streak two seasons ago, even as they sit atop the Eastern Conference standings.
“That stuff lives with you,” Cunningham told the Detroit Free Press’ Omari Sankofa II. “I carry it on the court all the time.”
Detroit entered Saturday’s contest having played seven straight games decided by six points or fewer, going 4-3 in that span. Cunningham credited improved focus on “the little plays” for the tighter outcomes, pointing to an earlier loss against Orlando in which late offensive rebounds proved costly.
Pacers injury updates
Aaron Nesmith has been sidelined since Nov. 13 with a left knee MCL sprain, and head coach Rick Carlisle said there is still no timetable for the wing’s return. “It’s gonna be a while,” Carlisle told the Indianapolis Star, though he added Nesmith is “making great progress with no setbacks.”
Guard Quenton Jackson, out since Nov. 3 because of a right hamstring strain, could be back later this week. Second-round pick Kam Jones (back) is increasing his conditioning and is expected to make his first appearances with the Noblesville Boom, the Pacers’ G League affiliate.
Center rotation holds the fort
Carlisle continues to split minutes among Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, and Tony Bradley after losing Myles Turner in free agency. “It’s a tag-team thing, it’s a brotherhood thing,” the coach said. “Those guys’ job is to hold down the fort.”
Bucks take short layoff
After finishing back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday, Doc Rivers gave the Milwaukee Bucks two days off. The team will practice Tuesday and Wednesday before hosting the Celtics on Thursday, The Athletic’s Eric Nehm reported.
Forward Kyle Kuzma called the week “a very pivotal time,” adding, “It’s sink or swim. We have to treat it like that.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
