Detroit Pistons Season Opener Delivers Early Reality Check

Holland entered the season overflowing with confidence. After a summer showcasing his scoring ability, he carried that momentum into the opener. In 27 minutes, he finished with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block — filling the stat sheet while injecting energy on both ends.

Stewart played with purpose. He posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, leaving his mark on every possession during Detroit’s comeback. He even connected on a pair of 3s, a testament to his offseason work expanding his offensive range. Together, they represented what the Pistons want to be — resilient, energetic, and relentless.

Rising Spotlight

On paper, Cade Cunningham looked dominant. He scored 27 points, handed out 10 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds. Yet, the box score doesn’t tell the whole story.

Cunningham struggled with his shot and, at times, forced the issue, eventually fouling out. That aggressiveness wasn’t entirely misplaced — it was the result of defenses keying in on him. As the face of the franchise, he now commands the kind of attention that changes how teams defend the Pistons altogether.

This wasn’t his sharpest outing, but it’s part of the learning curve that comes with stardom. The real test will be how he responds in the next one.

Cold Streak or Concern?

Duncan Robinson was brought in to fill the Pistons’ need for perimeter shooting. With questions surrounding Malik Beasley and his level of culpability in the federal gambling probe, Detroit looked to Robinson as their reliable floor spacer. If Wednesday night was any indication, the search for shooting help might continue.

Robinson missed all of his three-point attempts in 32 minutes, following a preseason where he shot just 31.8% from deep. His struggles have opened the door to louder calls for Beasley to return. Still, Robinson’s track record and professionalism suggest he’ll stay ready — turning doubt into motivation as the season unfolds.

The Last Word

The Pistons showed fight in their season opener, but the road only gets tougher from here. Their next five games come against some of the league’s top contenders — the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and Orlando Magic. These games will test the Pistons’ defensive identity, offensive patience, and overall resilience. It’s the kind of stretch that can expose weaknesses or accelerate growth.

Each matchup will demand the focus and discipline this young team continues to build.

For the Pistons, this is an opportunity to prove their progress is real — not just in flashes, but as a whole. The talent and energy are evident; now it’s about consistency. If they can respond to adversity with poise and persistence, this early-season challenge could become the spark that shapes their season.