SHOCKER: Detroit Pistons Survive as Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson DELIVER in Wild Win Over Portland

Detroit Pistons barely escape the Portland Trail Blazers after squandering a 21-point lead—can their young core become clutch under pressure? Ku Khahil breaks down the dramatic 110-102 victory, spotlighting Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson’s pivotal late-game heroics, relentless rebounding, and defensive prowess. The heated atmosphere, Cade Cunningham’s unexpected foul out, and Portland’s domination at the free-throw line add layers to the Pistons’ resilience and composure.

Key topics include Duren’s breakout third quarter, Thompson’s elite versatility in defensive roles, and the growing debate surrounding Jaden Ivey’s limited minutes down the stretch. Insights cover head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s rotation decisions, mounting trust concerns in the Pistons’ ball handling, and implications for the team’s future lineup. Are Detroit’s foundational pieces ready for bigger roles, or does the roster need an urgent shakeup to avoid repeat pitfalls?

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32 comments
  1. No lie i disagree with how the rotation happened after cade foul out. Ivey or Dj should been on the floor at all times. Green did nothing this game 8 did nothing in this game and there where on the floor. One of gurads should of been out there

  2. It almost felt like JB bickerstaff was trying to lose. He left Cade out there for a majority of the third quarter. Had no fouls to start the quarter and and when he left in the 3rd had five fouls. Where is the head coach who's at least should have took him out at 3 fouls

  3. I’m happy we saw grit and determination from the team. Yes. It would have been better to maintain the lead and blowout the Blazers. But it was something special to see us witness Ausar and Duren carrying us down the stretch.

    And considering the Blazers were the team who started our 28 game losing streak when they came from behind and beat us two years ago, this win is particularly important.

  4. Too close is crazy! Every game isnt gonna be a blowout. Teams are gonna come back and make it close sometimes. sometimes folks act like we arent playing other teams that are trying to win. Winning isn't good enough, but yet losing is a no no. I really believe people think the games should go exactly as they expect them too. Its kinda foolosh.

  5. I actually liked the late 4th qtr when we needed buckets and we couldn't just give it to Cade every time down the court. It made us way less predictable and was refreshing. No, I am not suggesting Cade is the problem, but we are way more predictable with him in there because everyone knows he is getting the ball. I enjoyed not knowing where the ball was going and who was going to get the shots up. I agree with those that said a West coast win is a win, you just take it and move on. Anytime your best player fouls out with 8 minutes left and you win, just smile and look ahead to the next game.

  6. How did your explanation of why Ivey isn’t on a minutes restriction, make me think even more that he is on a minutes restriction 😂. You mean to tell me because he hit 21 minutes one time JB must not trust him because he played 3 less minutes. Harris didn’t play in the entire second half of a game damn near recently. It’s very obvious that they are trying to keep him around the 20 minute limit. You don’t put him back in there after being sat for so long.

  7. Deeetroit basketball 🏀 Tobais and Ivey aren't getting a lot of minutes. Is Pistons trying make a move. Ivey is playing great offensively but his defense is questionable for now.

  8. I loved that Ausur and Duren stepped up when Cade went out! Shows they're growth, we do need a veteran PG and we need to do better at shooting the ball from 3 .

  9. Ku if he doesn't trust Ivey with the ball in his hands then what are we even doing? is he really just gonna be a 15 min bench guy for the rest of his career? just trade him with a 1st attached and be done with it, try to get someone who can consistently make catch and shoot 3s

  10. Are you changing your opinion about Ausar being on a minute restriction last season?

    JB did the exact same thing to Ausar all season. JB also avoided using the word "minute restriction" after the All Star break.

    If Ausar wasn't on a minute restriction then why wasn't he getting more minutes in the playoffs?

    NBA athletes are closely monitored during the recovery from injury. The Same medical staff that was constantly adjusting how much Aussr could play is now doing the same thing to Ivey.

  11. I just checked my YouTube Year end rewind, and apparently Locked On Pistons is my number 1 channel this year. I am like apparently 0.03% watcher or something like that. I know I am less than 1% of your viewers. I have seen like 130-180 videos this year. Suffice to say I really enjoy your content. I subbed to your substack, and I know you are pausing content, I am still a subscriber. Keep up the content and keep representing Detroit Basketball! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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