Warriors vs. Pistons Player Grades: Gui Santos Shines, Steph Curry Nets a Double-Double
On January 9, 2024, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Detroit Pistons 119-107 in a fast-paced game filled with exciting moments. For the Warriors, the win was fueled by standout performances from their core stars, including Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. However, it was also a night for emerging talent to shine, with Brazilian rookie Gui Santos showcasing his skills in front of a national audience. Despite some struggles from Detroit, the Pistons had their own moments of brilliance, led by Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
As we break down the game, we’ll provide player grades for the Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons, offering an in-depth look at individual performances across the court.
Golden State Warriors: Player Grades
Stephen Curry: A+
Stats: 34 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
Stephen Curry continues to show why he is one of the greatest players in the NBA. His 34-point performance was both dominant and efficient, as he shot 12-22 from the field, including 5-11 from beyond the arc. Curry’s deep shooting range stretched Detroit’s defense to its limits, and he made timely buckets when the Warriors needed them most.
In addition to his scoring, Curry’s 8 assists highlighted his playmaking ability. He set up numerous open looks for his teammates, creating a flow that kept the Pistons’ defense guessing. His 3 steals and 1 block further emphasized his all-around impact, providing an active defensive presence that helped stifle any Detroit runs. Curry was the catalyst for Golden State’s offensive execution, and his leadership was evident throughout the game.
Grade: A+
Klay Thompson: B+
Stats: 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Klay Thompson had a solid performance, finishing with 24 points on 9-18 shooting, including 4-9 from three-point range. Thompson’s shooting touch is always a threat, and his ability to catch fire from deep provided Golden State with much-needed offensive firepower. He was especially key during stretches of the game where the Warriors needed to respond to a Pistons’ run, knocking down several key threes to widen the gap.
Though Thompson had a great offensive performance, his impact wasn’t as dominant as Curry’s. Still, he contributed in other areas, recording 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and he also played solid defense with 2 steals. However, he did show a bit of rust on defense, allowing some Detroit players to get open looks. As a result, while his overall performance was strong, there were moments when he could’ve done more defensively.
Grade: B+
Draymond Green: A
Stats: 12 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks
Draymond Green was once again a jack-of-all-trades for the Warriors, finishing with a double-double of 12 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. Green’s ability to facilitate Golden State’s offense as the primary playmaker for the Warriors’ second unit was evident throughout the game. His 10 assists were crucial in keeping the offense fluid and creating easy opportunities for others, including Curry and Thompson.
Green’s defense was also elite, as he recorded 4 steals and 2 blocks, shutting down several Pistons’ offensive possessions. His tenacity on defense, whether it was guarding the perimeter or protecting the paint, was a difference-maker. Green’s leadership on both ends of the floor helped steady the Warriors, especially when the Pistons mounted their comeback attempt in the third quarter.
Grade: A
Andrew Wiggins: B
Stats: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Andrew Wiggins had a productive performance, scoring 16 points and adding 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Wiggins’ offensive game was efficient, as he shot 7-15 from the field, contributing at key points when the Warriors needed additional scoring outside of Curry and Thompson. While Wiggins had a solid outing offensively, he could’ve been more aggressive in his shot selection at times, especially when the Warriors needed a boost in the second half.
On defense, Wiggins was solid but not spectacular. He did a good job limiting Detroit’s perimeter players, especially in transition, but there were moments when the Pistons’ guards were able to exploit matchups. Wiggins’ consistency is something the Warriors rely on, and while his performance was good, there was room for him to step up in more high-pressure moments.
Grade: B
Kevon Looney: B
Stats: 8 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist
Kevon Looney played an essential role for the Warriors on the boards, pulling down 10 rebounds, including 5 offensive boards. Looney’s effort on the glass helped the Warriors control the flow of the game, especially in second-chance opportunities. He also chipped in with 8 points, finishing around the basket and providing some inside scoring.
Looney’s defense was solid but not as impactful as usual. While he did a decent job of contesting shots, there were moments when he allowed some easy baskets in the paint, especially against Detroit’s big men like Isaiah Stewart. Still, Looney’s effort on the boards and his ability to create extra possessions for the Warriors was crucial in securing the win.
Grade: B
Gui Santos: A
Stats: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Gui Santos was the surprise of the game for the Warriors, delivering a breakout performance. The Brazilian rookie made his presence felt with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in just 19 minutes of action. Santos showcased his ability to score in a variety of ways, knocking down a few timely shots and attacking the rim with confidence. He was particularly impressive in the second quarter, when his scoring helped the Warriors extend their lead.
Defensively, Santos was active and contributed to Golden State’s solid team defense. He showed a level of composure and maturity that belied his status as a rookie, and his performance may have earned him more minutes in future games. For a young player who has spent most of his time in the G League, this performance was a promising sign of his potential.
Grade: A
Detroit Pistons: Player Grades
Cade Cunningham: A
Stats: 30 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Cade Cunningham was the clear leader for the Pistons, finishing with a game-high 30 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. Cunningham shot 12-22 from the field and 3-7 from beyond the arc, showcasing his scoring ability and his vision as a playmaker. Cunningham was the focal point of the Pistons’ offense, creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates.
While Cunningham did everything he could to keep Detroit in the game, there were moments where his decision-making under pressure could have been better. Still, his performance was highly impressive, especially against a Warriors team that had a formidable defensive unit. Cunningham’s ability to score from all areas on the floor and his composure in high-pressure moments give hope to Detroit’s future.
Grade: A
Jaden Ivey: B+
Stats: 19 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds
Jaden Ivey had a strong game for the Pistons, finishing with 19 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds. Ivey’s speed and athleticism were on full display, as he used his quickness to attack the basket and create opportunities in transition. His 7 assists were also critical, as he played an important role in facilitating Detroit’s offense. However, his shooting efficiency was an issue, as he finished 7-17 from the field, missing several open looks that could have helped close the gap.
Defensively, Ivey struggled at times against the Warriors’ perimeter players. While he showed flashes of his potential, he was not able to consistently contain the Warriors’ shooters, particularly Curry and Thompson. Still, Ivey’s overall performance was a positive sign for the Pistons.
Grade: B+
Isaiah Stewart: B
Stats: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist
Isaiah Stewart provided a strong physical presence for the Pistons, recording 15 points and 9 rebounds. Stewart battled in the paint and provided Detroit with second-chance opportunities, especially on the offensive glass. His ability to finish in the paint was crucial for the Pistons, who struggled to generate consistent offense outside of Cunningham and Ivey.
Defensively, Stewart had a mixed game. While he was able to contest some of Golden State’s attempts in the paint, he had trouble dealing with the Warriors’ perimeter shooters and their ball movement. Stewart’s effort was commendable, but he was often at a disadvantage against the Warriors’ dynamic offense.
Grade: B
Bojan Bogdanović: C+
Stats: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Bojan Bogdanović had a quiet night for the Pistons, finishing with just 12 points on 5-11 shooting. While he contributed some scoring, he was largely ineffective in terms of creating offense for his team. The Warriors’ defense, particularly from Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, limited his effectiveness. Bogdanović wasn’t able to stretch the floor as much as usual, and he had trouble getting involved in Detroit’s offensive sets.
Defensively, Bogdanović was a liability, as he struggled to contain the Warriors’ guards and wings. Despite being a veteran on the team, his lack of impact in this game was a disappointment.
Grade: C+
Final Thoughts
The Golden State Warriors secured a 119-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons on January 9, 2024, with a performance that was highlighted by the brilliance of Stephen Curry and solid contributions from the likes of Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and rookie Gui Santos. While the Pistons showed some promise with strong individual performances from Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, they ultimately fell short against the Warriors’ experience and offensive firepower.
The Warriors’ balanced attack, led by Curry’s 34 points and Green’s all-around game, proved too much for Detroit, while Gui Santos’ surprise performance was a highlight for the future. For the Pistons, Cunningham’s growth and Ivey’s potential are key takeaways, but there is still work to be done to become a more complete team.
As the season progresses, both teams will continue to refine their play. Golden State’s core is still a threat in the Western Conference, while the Pistons are looking to build around their young stars and find more consistent play.
