On April 4, 2025, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Toronto Raptors 117-105 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, completing a 4-0 season sweep and securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2019. The game, a high-stakes Eastern Conference matchup, showcased the Pistons’ depth, efficiency, and clutch performance, while the Raptors displayed flashes of potential despite their struggles. Below is a detailed analysis of the player stats, key moments, and team performances that defined this pivotal NBA regular-season contest.
Match Overview
- Sport: Basketball
- League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
- Game Type: Regular Season (Eastern Conference)
- Date: April 4, 2025
- Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
- Matchup: Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors Match Player Stats
- Result: Detroit Pistons won 117–105
- Season Series: Pistons swept 4–0 vs. Raptors
Game Summary
The Detroit Pistons (42-34) entered the game with playoff aspirations on the line, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference. Their 117-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors (28-49), who were languishing at 13th in the East, marked a significant milestone for Detroit’s young core. The game was competitive early, with the Pistons holding a slim 29-28 lead after the first quarter. However, they pulled away in the second (36-27) and maintained control in the third (28-22) and fourth (24-28) quarters, leveraging balanced scoring and superior shooting efficiency. The Raptors, despite a valiant effort from their young players, couldn’t overcome their defensive lapses and lack of bench production.
Detroit Pistons: Player Stats and Standout Performances
The Pistons’ victory was a team effort, with five players reaching double figures and exceptional contributions from both starters and role players. Their efficient shooting (52.4% FG, 57.6% 3P) and 27 assists highlighted their cohesive play.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. (Guard): Hardaway led the Pistons with 23 points, shooting an impressive 7-of-8 from three-point range and 8-of-13 overall. He added 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals, finishing with a +22 plus/minus. His third-quarter scoring, including 11 points, was crucial in building Detroit’s lead.
- Jalen Duren (Center): Duren dominated the paint, recording a double-double with 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting and 18 rebounds (6 offensive). He added 6 assists and 1 block, controlling the boards and creating second-chance opportunities. His +12 plus/minus reflected his impact.
- Malik Beasley (Guard): Beasley contributed 21 points on 6-of-10 field goals, including 4-of-5 from three, with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. His efficient scoring off the bench kept the Pistons’ offense humming.
- Cade Cunningham (Guard): Cunningham delivered a near triple-double with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. Shooting 6-of-13 from the field and 2-of-4 from three, he orchestrated the offense with precision, though he had 4 turnovers. His +15 plus/minus underscored his all-around influence.
- Ausar Thompson (Forward): Thompson added 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting, with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. His energy and defensive hustle were key, particularly in transition.
The Pistons shot 52.4% from the field (44-of-84), 57.6% from three (19-of-33), and 80% from the free-throw line (10-of-12). They recorded 47 rebounds, 27 assists, 7 steals, and 5 blocks, while committing 12 turnovers. Their dominance in the paint (50 points) and fast-break points (18) overwhelmed Toronto’s defense.
Toronto Raptors: Player Stats and Key Contributions
The Raptors, despite their 28-49 record, showed fight with strong individual performances, particularly from their young core. However, their 41.8% field goal percentage and 66.7% free-throw shooting (12-of-18) hindered their ability to keep pace.
- Ja’Kob Walter (Guard): The rookie led Toronto with 22 points, hitting 4-of-8 three-pointers and 8-of-15 field goals. He added 3 rebounds and 2 assists, showcasing his scoring potential despite a -10 plus/minus.
- Immanuel Quickley (Guard): Quickley stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, shooting 5-of-14 from the field and 2-of-5 from three. His 2 steals and just 2 turnovers highlighted his versatility, though his -24 plus/minus reflected Toronto’s struggles.
- Jamal Shead (Guard): Shead nearly notched a double-double off the bench, scoring 14 points and dishing 9 assists. He shot 5-of-10 from the field, including 1-of-3 from three, and added 1 steal, but his -12 plus/minus showed the Raptors’ defensive issues.
- Jakob Poeltl (Center): Poeltl recorded a double-double with 10 points on 5-of-12 shooting and 11 rebounds, plus 3 assists and 1 block. His presence in the paint was notable, but he struggled defensively against Duren.
- Cole Swider (Forward, Bench): Swider provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, including 2-of-4 from three, and 3 rebounds. His scoring helped keep Toronto competitive in the third quarter.
The Raptors shot 41.8% from the field (36-of-86), 35.1% from three (13-of-37), and 66.7% from the free-throw line. They grabbed 49 rebounds and dished 24 assists but committed 12 turnovers and struggled to contain Detroit’s perimeter shooting.
Key Moments and Game Flow
The game was close early, with the Raptors trailing 29-28 after the first quarter, thanks to Quickley’s playmaking and Walter’s outside shooting. However, the Pistons took control in the second quarter, outscoring Toronto 36-27 behind Hardaway’s hot shooting and Duren’s dominance on the boards. A 10-2 run to close the half gave Detroit a 65-55 lead. In the third quarter, Beasley and Thompson sparked a 12-point surge, extending the lead to 93-77. Despite a late Raptors push in the fourth, led by Shead and Swider, Detroit’s clutch plays from Cunningham and Hardaway sealed the 117-105 win.
Team Stats Comparison
- Field Goals: Pistons 44/84 (52.4%) vs. Raptors 36/86 (41.8%)
- Three-Point Shooting: Pistons 19/33 (57.6%) vs. Raptors 13/37 (35.1%)
- Free Throws: Pistons 10/12 (80%) vs. Raptors 12/18 (66.7%)
- Rebounds: Pistons 47 vs. Raptors 49
- Assists: Pistons 27 vs. Raptors 24
- Steals: Pistons 7 vs. Raptors 7
- Blocks: Pistons 5 vs. Raptors 4
- Turnovers: Pistons 12 vs. Raptors 12
- Points in the Paint: Pistons 50 vs. Raptors 40
- Fast-Break Points: Pistons 18 vs. Raptors 10
Season Context and Head-to-Head
The Pistons dominated the 2024-25 season series, winning all four matchups:
- November 15, 2024: Pistons 99, Raptors 95
- November 25, 2024: Pistons 102, Raptors 100
- January 11, 2025: Pistons 123, Raptors 114
- April 4, 2025: Pistons 117, Raptors 105
Detroit’s 4-0 sweep underscored their edge in execution, shooting, and depth. Their season stats reflect this dominance, with a 117.0 PPG average compared to Toronto’s 105.0, and a +0.5 net rating versus the Raptors’ -5.9.
Looking Ahead
For the Pistons, this win solidified their playoff berth, a testament to the growth of their young core led by Cunningham, Duren, and Thompson. They face the New York Knicks in their next game on April 6, aiming to carry their momentum into the postseason. The Raptors, meanwhile, continue their rebuild, with promising performances from Walter and Shead offering hope. They face the San Antonio Spurs on April 13, looking to end the season on a positive note and focus on development for 2025-26.
Conclusion
The Detroit Pistons’ 117-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors on April 4, 2025, was a showcase of their maturation as a playoff contender. Tim Hardaway Jr.’s sharpshooting, Jalen Duren’s dominance in the paint, and Cade Cunningham’s playmaking overwhelmed a Raptors team reliant on young talent like Ja’Kob Walter and Jamal Shead. While Toronto showed resilience, their inefficiencies and defensive struggles proved costly. As the Pistons head to the playoffs, this game highlighted their potential to make noise, while the Raptors look to build around their promising core for future success.
