Pistons overcome sluggish first half in preseason win over the Suns

Hear this story View Comments DETROIT — For Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the first preseason game of the 2026-27 season at Little Caesars Arena wasn't about the final score. Instead, the goal was to build a foundation and establish an identity that would define the Detroit Pistons for the next several months. By the 2:46 mark of the first quarter, however, it was evident that the Pistons were far from meeting Bickerstaff's expectations.

"Whether you’re new or old or been here or whatever, we have to find that understanding of what Pistons basketball is, and that’s what’s important to us,” Bickerstaff said. “So, all four of these preseason games are going to be important for us to establish that identity and make sure we know what it feels like versus other people and not just beating each other (up)."