Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has used a handful of different lineups during the first two preseason games. His goal was to get a look at every player on the Pistons’ preseason roster as he attempted to orchestrate a rotation ahead of the regular season.

But during the Detroit Pistons’ 118-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Tuesday night, Bickerstaff had to get more creative. Jaden Ivey and Caris LeVert missed their second consecutive games, while Cade Cunningham and Marcus Sasser missed their first.

With Cunningham and Ivey sidelined, Daniss Jenkins and Duncan Robinson started in the backcourt. Jalen Duren’s return from hamstring tightness allowed the Pistons to field their regular frontcourt starters, Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris. After missing the previous game due to rest, Harris played 22 minutes and led Detroit with 19 points on 5-of-11 shooting and five rebounds.

The lack of chemistry in the backcourt led to a struggling start for the Pistons, who were 2-of-7 from the floor to begin the night. Turnovers were also a significant issue, as the Pistons recorded eight giveaways.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers started nearly every one from their A-team (Donovan Mitchell, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen), as Darius Garland continues his recovery from toe surgery. Sam Merrill started in Garland’s place.

The Cavaliers took advantage of the Pistons’ miscues on both ends and built a lead that carried them to their first preseason victory.

The Pistons’ best quarter came during the second period. Detroit increased its pace and took advantage of the open court after a handful of defensive stops.

Javonte Green (six points and four rebounds), Ron Holland II (11 points and four rebounds), and Isaiah Stewart (six points and two blocks) were all crucial for Detroit’s comeback. However, Thompson’s two-way play and ability to make plays while handling the ball were also significant factors in the team’s performance.

BOX SCORE: Cavaliers 118, Pistons 100

Bickerstaff expressed a desire for Thompson to play more as a ball-handler in the upcoming season. With Cunningham and Ivey absent, Thompson had the opportunity to take on the role of the team’s primary ball-handler.

One of his most impressive moments occurred late in the first quarter when Thompson assisted Green, who was cutting to the basket for an easy reverse layup. Late in the fourth quarter, he found Tolu Smith cutting for a powerful two-handed slam.

Despite showing his ability to read the floor, it was still a subpar night for Thompson. He picked up four fouls during the first quarter, which led to him fouling out early in the fourth. Thompson finished with nine points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.

Bickerstaff has been impressed by the performances of his two-way prospects during the first two preseason games, which he believes have highlighted the team’s depth. With Detroit being short-handed at the guard position, it gave Bickerstaff a chance to start Jenkins.

Highlighted by a 3-point field goal over reigning Defensive Player of the Year winner Evan Mobley, Jenkins scored 19 points on 5-of-6 shooting, with six assists. He showcased all of the intangibles that made him an intriguing prospect during his rookie season with the Motor City Cruise. However, turnovers were the lone knock that hindered Jenkins’ performance. He recorded a team-high five.

Notes and observations vs. Cavs

A short return for Duren: Upon his return from hamstring tightness, the Pistons limited Duren’s playtime. He played a little over 12 minutes, but all came in the first half. Duren registered eight points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

No second-quarter explosion: Playing without Cunningham affected the Pistons’ performance, particularly their inability to replicate the explosive second-quarter scoring they showed coming into Cleveland. While they won the quarter, the Pistons scored only 26 points, a stark contrast to their average of 45.5 points through their first two preseason games.

Turnovers still an issue: The Pistons struggled to take care of the ball against the Cavaliers. They finished with 24 turnovers, which Cleveland converted into 20 points.

The Pistons conclude their four-game preseason schedule against Washington at home on Thursday at 7 p.m.

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