Pistons beat reporter Coty Davis talks to Holland, Jenkins in Las Vegas.
Pistons beat reporter Coty Davis talks to Holland, Jenkins in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas — The Detroit Pistons walked into Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday afternoon with an undefeated record (2-0) at the start of the 2K26 Summer League tournament. Ron Holland II and Daniss Jenkins have received the bulk of the credit for Detroit’s success, but Tolu Smith III has been just as vital.
Through the first two games in Las Vegas, Smith has averaged 15.5 points and 11.5 rebounds. He was just as impressive against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the Pistons suffered an 89-73 loss.
“Tolu has been great for us,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said during the NBA TV broadcast that included Isiah Thomas. “He was with our G League, the Motor City Cruise (last season). Now, he is able to go out here and continue to progress, and that is what development is about.”
Smith finished with 16 points, six rebounds and three blocks, proving that his invitation to participate in the league’s G League Next Up Game in February was no fluke. He began Tuesday’s game by scoring Detroit’s first two baskets, which led to the Pistons taking an early 13-4 lead.
But what has made Smith’s performance in Las Vegas most impressive is the all-around potential he has showcased, especially on the defensive end. Smith’s best highlight occurred at the 1:19 mark of the second quarter when he blocked Joan Beringer’s dunk attempt.
Despite their slow start, the Timberwolves quickly showed why they were also undefeated entering their third Summer League game.
Rob Dillingham got things going for Minnesota on a driving layup with 5:36 left in the first quarter, which led to the Timberwolves closing the period on a 22-12 run. They carried their momentum into the second period and held a 39-31 lead at the half.
Smith maintained his production at the beginning of the third quarter, but Holland found his rhythm after a slow start. He scored 13 of his team-high 22 during the period.
“We have been working with Ron on how to attack closeouts, playing off the catch and playing off the pick-and-roll,” Bickerstaff said. “We wanted to see him come out here and get live reps. He is the leader of this (Summer League) team. In a position at home, he might be one of the younger guys, but now, he gets the chance to get leadership reps, which is great for his growth and development.”
After they trailed by eight at halftime, Holland’s performance helped the Pistons tie the score at 41 by the 6:56 mark of the third quarter. However, the Timberwolves responded by tightening their defense and cruised to a convincing victory.
Terrence Shannon Jr. led the Timberwolves with a game-high 24 points on 6-of-9 shooting, to go with five rebounds and two steals. Leonard Miller added 20 points and eight rebounds.
Observations and notes vs. Timberwolves
â–¶ Foul trouble for Holland:Â If this were a regular-season game for the Pistons, Holland would have never had the opportunity to shake off a slow start. A great deal of Holland’s first-half struggles were due to his foul trouble. He finished the game with six personal fouls, but four came within the first quarter. He also shot 1-of-4 on 3-point shooting.
â–¶ Lanier shooting woes continue: In Sunday’s win against the Houston Rockets, it appeared that Chaz Lanier was starting to find his rhythm. He wasn’t particularly efficient against the Timberwolves, but it’s clear that the rookie prospect from Tennessee is still trying to find his shooting touch in Las Vegas.
He finished with 12 points, which included four made 3-point field goals, but shot 4-of-14 from the field. Lanier had his worst shooting performance in the first half, starting 1-of-6 from the floor and 1-of-4 from behind the arc.
â–¶ Turnovers were detrimental: If it wasn’t for the Pistons’ inability to take care of the ball, they might have extended their Summer League winning streak. Against Minnesota, Detroit committed 22 turnovers, which resulted in 24 points for the opposition. Holland led Detroit with seven giveaways.
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