DFG: Detroit Pistons beat the LA Clippers - 2/24/25

Pistons sail past Clippers for the first time since 2019 to secure their 7th win in a row

Welcome to DROP, FLOP, & GYATT! Your source for fun and insightful post-game recaps highlighting moments that make you pump your fist, shake your head, and say, “Gyatt damn!”

Seven wins in a row? Who are we? To answer this question, we have to go back JB Bickerstaff’s introductory press conference, “What you'll see is you know come February come March like you'll be able to turn on the TV and you'll be like oh that's Detroit Pistons basketball. That's what we aim for.” Well, it’s February 24th, and I’d say JB’s aim is like Malik Beasley’s from behind the long line: lights out!

Unlike some of the Pistons’ recent opponents, the Clippers are a defensive-minded team of savvy vets. Guys like Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. applied pressure, forcing Deuce to turn the ball over 7 times, but did that slow down MotorCade? Hell no. He still put up 32 points, 9 boards, 7 assists, and 3 stocks. If you think that’s impressive, keep in mind that he’s been shooting 54% from the field and 48% from distance over his last 5 games. What. A. Stud. But last night’s victory wasn’t just the Cade show. Tobias had another clutch 20 point game, Duren continued to be a double-double machine (12 pts, 19 rebounds, 2 dimes, and 2 stocks), and Dennis Schröder ran the 2nd Unit like a tight German U-Boat — sorry, problematic example, but he was solid.

Even though the Pistons led for most of the game, it was tight up until the 4th quarter when Detroit pulled away, showing a newfound poise, confidence, and trust in each other. To use Cade’s term, the boys are “sizzling” like a scalding hot plate of fajitas, and I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry for more.

DROP

Somebody call Warren Buffet, because the Pistons’ stocks are on the rise — literally and figuratively, as the team racked up a combined 18 swats and steals! It was a block party at LCA and everyone was getting in on the action. 6 of those 18 stocks belonged to Ausar Thompson who has been an absolute terror on the defensive end of the floor. At the end of the 1st quarter, Patty Mills led the fast break, dishing to his big for a dunk, but Thompson A-SOARS in out of nowhere for the rejection. Sorry, Drew Eubanks, but YOU better not BANK on getting easy buckets when AT’s in the game.

Pretty great, right? Well that block was nothing compared to his chase down on The Beard late in the 4th. During crunch time, the Clippers tried to go on a run and James drove at THJ for a lay up, but Thompson took flight, erasing his shot off the glass, proving that the Harden they come, the Harden they fall.

AT wasn’t the only one protecting the rim. Look at this joint effort from THJ and Stew. Despite not having the best scoring night, Tim Hardaway Jr. made his presence felt in other ways. Look how the 6’5” guard gets up to block all 7 feet of pure, unadulterated Zu. Then, to add insult to injury, Beef comes in with the cherry on top, batting the ball to Ron Holland II for a breakaway layup.

FLOP

Earlier in the season, Duren struggled to set picks without moving his feet or giving opposing defenders a little extra something-something. Hip checks are a Pistons tradition, and I’m sure Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn love to see it, but in this era, stripes is gonna blow the whistle every time. Lately though, JD’s screens have been much improved. On this play in the 2nd quarter, he sets his feet, but James Harden trips, and gets the undeserved call. Ref, you suck!

GYATT!

Speaking of Pistons traditions, there’s nothing Detroit loves more than tenacious team D leading to an explosive O—as in offense. Get your minds out of the gutter! Toward the end of the 2nd quarter, Cade read the passing lane like a frickin’ book, poking the ball away from Harden and Hail Mary-ing the ball to Ausar for a two-handed slam. That’s my quarterback! Erm, I mean, that’s my point guard!

This gritty dub against the Clippers was a good test for the upcoming games against the Celtics and Nuggets. The Pistons proved they can beat the teams they’re supposed to beat and even some tough playoff squads, but as they ride the high of their longest win-streak in over a decade, it’s time to see if they can run with the big dogs.

As Detroit hosts Boston and Denver, which contending 2-seeded team do you think the Pistons have a better shot at beating? Let us know in the comments!