Post-Game Press Conference: J.B. Bickerstaff | Pistons vs. Hornets | 12.20.2025

Post-Game Press Conference: J.B. Bickerstaff | Pistons vs. Hornets | 12.20.2025

How much did your defense really help you guys control this one, especially in the second half? >> Yeah, I mean that’s what we try to prioritize. Uh obviously, uh they are a really good offensive team. You know, they got weapons all over the floor. They can shoot the three. You know, they got guys that can beat you off the bounce play in transition. So, uh you know, 14 in the fourth, 18 in the second, you know, shows what we’re capable of. Uh and that triggers everything for us, especially, you know, nights where shots aren’t falling for us. Uh we got to get those stops to get out in transition and get some easy ones. And how did Kate Cunningham help regain that control for you guys tonight as well? >> I mean, you know, he can settle the game down in so many different ways. Uh, offensively getting to his spot, creating for others. Um, you know, I thought he did a great job on the defensive boards, which also helps us get out in transition when the ball’s in his hand to initiate. Um, and then, you know, he can just find his spots and then defensively I thought he was good and keeping people in front of him, uh, getting deflections and steals like he does. >> What did you like about, uh, Jaylen Darren tonight and just his aggressiveness? Well, the the fact that he figured it out, you know what I mean? Like to pick up fouls early uh is tough to come back and try to find a rhythm. And I thought that, you know, he came back, he still found his rhythm. Uh and then he was aggressive, you know, facing up, uh he made some really tough baskets, you know, in traffic through some contact. Um but I just liked his poise that he didn’t let the three fouls in, uh the first half, you know, get under his skin. He found a way to come back um and be aggressive and help us. I know you touched on it before, but how much is of this game as an example of everything that you’ve been talking about in terms of Assar Thompson’s defense? I believe he finished the game with like four blocks and three steals. >> Yeah, I mean, this is, you know, it and who he is. Um, you know, we’ve preached that before. You know, it’s genuine. Um, you know, he’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Uh, and can take on so many different matchups and be so disruptive, um, you know, with his natural instincts and ability and IQ. So, uh, you know, again, four blocks, three steals, uh, you know, a lot of shutdowns. Um, you know, I thought he was great on that end of the floor. >> JB, uh, two full months into the season, this team has still only lost twice in a row, one time. Um, far cry from where this team was, you know, a couple years ago, even just from last year, what is like the biggest difference in this team’s mental makeup that allows that to be the case? >> I mean, just the belief um, and the willingness to do what it takes. And that’s, you know, important, I think, for us. is like you can’t get bored with the small things that make you successful, right? And I think that’s what this team has done a really good job of embracing uh and paying attention to. Like we don’t allow, you know, a ton of slippage. Uh the guys hold each other accountable to the things that they know are important uh and the things that make us successful. So, uh when you have that type of attitude and when it’s like through the group, uh and nobody wants to disappoint the person next to them, uh you don’t see a lot of mistakes. And in this league, the teams that make the least amount of mistakes typically are the teams that are going to win. Appreciate y’all.

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