Pistons Stifle Hornets in 4th Quarter, Bickerstaff Praises Defense

Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff lauds team's effort in holding Charlotte to just 10 points in the final frame.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:10pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the intense action of a basketball game between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets, with the players' movements and the game's energy captured through sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a cubist style.The Pistons' stifling defense shuts down the Hornets' offense in a cubist-inspired illustration of the intense fourth-quarter action.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Pistons continued their dominant defensive play, limiting the Charlotte Hornets to just 10 points in the fourth quarter of their 118-100 victory. Head coach JB Bickerstaff praised his team's effort, saying it was 'us at our best' on the defensive end. Despite Cade Cunningham's recent injury, the Pistons' stifling defense has remained a key part of their identity as they clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Why it matters

The Pistons' defensive identity has been a driving force behind their success this season, and their ability to shut down opponents in the fourth quarter has been a consistent theme. This performance against the Hornets showcases Detroit's defensive prowess and highlights their potential as a top contender in the postseason.

The details

The Pistons held the Hornets to just 5-of-17 shooting in the fourth quarter, with all five made baskets coming inside the paint. Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Cade Cunningham contributed 14 points and 7 assists. Despite Cunningham's recent injury, the Pistons' defense did not miss a beat, limiting the Hornets' playoff hopes.

  • The Pistons defeated the Hornets 118-100 on April 11, 2026.

The players

JB Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, praised his team's defensive effort in the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets.

Cade Cunningham

The star player for the Detroit Pistons, who recently returned from a collapsed lung injury and contributed 14 points and 7 assists in the win.

Jalen Duren

The forward for the Detroit Pistons, who led the team with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.

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What they’re saying

“That was us at our best.”

— JB Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons

What’s next

The Pistons have clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and will be waiting to face their first-round opponent.

The takeaway

The Detroit Pistons' stifling defense has been the backbone of their success this season, and their ability to shut down opponents in the fourth quarter has been a consistent strength. Despite Cade Cunningham's recent injury, the Pistons have maintained their defensive identity, showcasing their potential as a top contender in the upcoming postseason.