Pistons Overcome 19-Point Deficit to Beat Suns in Preseason Opener

Key points

• Detroit Pistons defeated Phoenix Suns 109-107 in a preseason exhibition at Little Caesars Arena on October 5, 2026.
• The Pistons trailed by 19 points at the end of the first half but outscored the Suns 34-16 in the third quarter and 35-10 in the second half overall.
• Rookie guard Ebuka Okorie, drafted 17th overall, scored the game-winning layup with 5.8 seconds remaining and finished with 7 points on 3-of-4 shooting.
• Jalen Duren did not play in the game; he is being gradually ramped up by the team after signing a five-year, $200 million extension, with the goal of being fully ready for the October 20 season opener.
• Cade Cunningham played only the first half, scoring 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting, while Ausar Thompson started at point guard in the second half and scored 10 points, including three midrange jumpers.
• John Collins, a new addition, started at power forward and scored 10 points, but was involved in a physical altercation with Suns forward Dillon Brooks that resulted in a flagrant-1 foul for Collins and a technical for Brooks.

Background

The Detroit Pistons finished the 2025-26 season as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 60-22 record but lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game second-round playoff series. Jalen Duren, who earned All-Star recognition last season, signed a five-year, $200 million extension with the team in October 2026 after a months-long contract standoff. The team is now focused on integrating new pieces and establishing a consistent identity for the upcoming season, with the first preseason game serving as a test of their new roster dynamics and defensive intensity.

How outlets are covering it

Detroit Bad Boys emphasized the depth of the Pistons' bench, noting that the second-half performance validated fan claims about the team's depth, with Ron Holland and Dannis Jenkins leading the charge. The Detroit Free Press highlighted the physicality of the game, particularly the altercation between John Collins and Dillon Brooks, and the strategic decision to rest Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. The Detroit News focused on Coach Bickerstaff's emphasis on establishing team identity, noting that the first half was far from meeting expectations, but praised Okorie's poise in the final seconds. Sports Illustrated provided background on the injury report, noting that Jalen Duren was a game-time decision and that the Suns were without center Mark Williams due to a shoulder injury. All sources agreed on the final score and the significance of the second-half turnaround, but differed in their emphasis on the physicality of the game and the strategic decisions made by the coaching staff.

Why it matters

This preseason game serves as a critical test for the Detroit Pistons as they prepare for the 2026-27 season, particularly in integrating new players like John Collins and expanding the roles of Ausar Thompson and Cade Cunningham. The performance of the bench unit, led by Ebuka Okorie and Ron Holland, suggests that the team has depth to rely on during the regular season. The absence of Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham in the second half also highlights the team's strategy to manage minutes and build chemistry, which will be crucial for a long season. The physicality of the game, including the altercation between Collins and Brooks, may also set the tone for the team's defensive intensity in the upcoming season.

What to watch

The Detroit Pistons will next play the Washington Wizards in a preseason game on October 10, 2026. The team is expected to continue ramping up Jalen Duren, with the goal of having him fully ready for the season opener against the Boston Celtics on October 20, 2026. The Pistons will also look to refine their offensive and defensive strategies, particularly in managing the roles of Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson, and in integrating new players like John Collins into the starting lineup.