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Pistons Fall to Rockets in Season Opener, 128-115
The Detroit Pistons began their 2025-2026 NBA season with a 128-115 loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday, October 24, 2025. The game, played at the Little Caesars Arena, saw a strong offensive showing from both sides, but ultimately the Rockets’ efficiency proved too much for Detroit.
Houston’s Jalen Green led all scorers with 32 points,while Pistons’ forward Cade Cunningham paced Detroit with 28 points and eight assists. The Rockets established an early lead, capitalizing on Detroit’s defensive lapses in the first quarter. We need to be better defensively, especially in the first half,
said Pistons head coach Dwayne Casey post-game.
The Pistons struggled with turnovers, committing 18 throughout the contest, which translated into 22 points for Houston. Rebounding was also a key factor, with the Rockets securing 48 rebounds compared to Detroit’s 40.
Did You Know? …
The Rockets’ victory marked their first season-opening win since 2018.
| Category | Detroit Pistons | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 115 | 128 |
| Field goal % | 46.2% | 50.5% |
| 3-Point % | 34.8% | 41.2% |
| Free Throw % | 78.6% | 75.0% |
| Rebounds | 40 | 48 |
| Assists | 25 | 30 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 12 |
Despite a late rally in the fourth quarter, spearheaded by Cunningham and Bojan bogdanović (22 points), the Pistons were unable to close the gap. Houston maintained control, effectively managing the clock and converting crucial free throws.
Pro Tip: …
Focus on limiting turnovers and improving defensive rotations to secure future victories.
NBA.com – Official box scores and game recaps are available on NBA.com. [https://www.nba.com/](https://www.nba.com/)
The Pistons will look to bounce back in their next game against the Chicago Bulls on October 27th. This loss highlights areas for improvement, especially in defensive consistency and ball security, as thay navigate the early stages of the season. The Rockets, simultaneously occurring, will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign.
According to ESPN Stats & Info [https://www.espn.com/nba/stats](https://www.espn.com/nba/stats),this was the first meeting between these two teams since February 26,2025,where the Pistons secured a narrow victory.
Do you think the pistons can quickly address their defensive issues and turn their season around?
What adjustments do you believe Coach Casey needs to make to improve the team’s performance?
NBA Season Outlook & trends
The 2025-2026 NBA season is shaping up to be highly competitive, with several teams vying for championship contention. The Houston Rockets,with their young core,are considered a rising force in the Western Conference. The Detroit Pistons, undergoing a rebuilding phase, are focused on player
