DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons' resurgence has been one of the most compelling stories this season. They came into Tuesday’s interconference contest against the San Antonio Spurs with a firm hold on the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, and with 10 games left, it would be easy for the players to get complacent and start focusing on their postseason seeding.

However, under coach J.B. Bickerstaff's guidance, the Pistons have remained devoted to their current task. As a result, Detroit won its second consecutive game and the fourth over the last five games in a 122-96 win.

"Our focus is to try and play good basketball,” Bickerstaff said. “The conversations we have had with the guys, whatever happens moving forward, we want to be playing at our peak. That’s the attention to detail; working on the small things is what we are focused on."

The Pistons improved to 41-32 overall and 2-0 on their current three-game homestand. Cade Cunningham missed his second straight game due to a calf injury.

"If we take care of those things, we will be successful enough going into the postseason with confidence. Bickerstaff added. “If you get to the postseason and then try to figure it out, you are done. Our focus for the last 10 games will be to continue developing habits and working on the details that make us successful."

With an emphasis on continuous improvement, a game against the Spurs at Little Caesars Arena was the perfect opportunity for Ausar Thompson to break out of the slump that had limited him to an average of 12.5 minutes in the last two games.

Thompson came out aggressively by scoring four of Detroit’s first seven points, setting a tone that led to Detroit’s impressive win. The second-year forward had an all-around performance by recording 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. He did so while playing 27 minutes, his most since assisting the Pistons in achieving a three-point victory over the Miami Heat on March 19.

While Thompson broke free of his slump, Marcus Sasser built on his impressive performance against the New Orleans Pelicans two nights prior. He scored a career-high 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting and 5 of 7 on 3-point shooting. Sasser scored 10 points in the first half, contributing to the Pistons’ 60-34 lead.

It was an all-around balanced performance for the Pistons. They had six players who scored in double figures, with Tobias Harris adding 15 points and eight rebounds, while Jalen Duren added 14 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Malik Beasley, who is currently averaging 15.4 bench points per game, finished with 13 points.

The Spurs came into Detroit as one of the hottest teams in the league after winning five of their last seven games. San Antonio was led by Devin Vassell, who scored a game-high 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting and 6 of 11 from deep and grabbed six rebounds.

Observations and notes vs. Spurs

— Hardaway returns: After missing the game due to a right ankle sprain, Tim Hardaway Jr. returned to the lineup. He played 25 minutes, finishing with 12 points and four assists.

— Second-quarter defense: The Pistons had one of their best defensive quarters of the season in the second period. They held the Spurs to 12 points on 2-of-19 shooting, 1 of 11 from deep.

— Lillard out indefinitely: Reports indicated late Tuesday night that Milwaukee Bucks all-star guard Damian Lillard will be out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf. The loss of Lillard could significantly impact the Eastern Conference playoff seeding. The Pistons and Bucks are in a tight race, with Milwaukee currently positioned as the No. 5 seed.

Up next

The Pistons will end their three-game homestand Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They will then embark on a three-game road trip that starts Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tip-off between the Cavaliers and Pistons is scheduled for LCA at 7 p.m. ET.

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