The Detroit Pistons buzzer beating loss to the Washington Wizards left James Wiseman stunned, and showing he cares. He stepped up to successfully help defend Bradley Beal, but left Daniel Gafford open for the put back.

Wiseman turned around to see it was his player that scored and crumpled to the floor. He stayed there for some time while the Wizards danced and celebrated around where he dejectedly sat. If you thought these games don’t matter as much for a team headed to the lottery, think again.

Subscribe to Woodward Pistons on Apple Podcasts|Spotify|Spreaker

You can tell James Wiseman wanted this game… he just sits down after the final buzzer#Pistons pic.twitter.com/hjrRp9I6St

— Brandon Dent | @WoodwardSports #DetroitKoolAid (@DetroitKoolAid) March 8, 2023

“I did all I could to protect the rim, but I just didn’t know he was back there,” Wiseman lamented. “I should’ve just stayed on my guy, I should’ve just stayed home.” You’d have thought the Pistons just lost a spot in the playoffs, but it shows how much these games still matter. This is key for a team preaching hope, future and growth during a season that hasn’t had much to cheer for.

Teaching Moments

This loss highlighted another area the team has struggled in without Cade Cunningham this season, clutch time moments. But it served as a necessary lesson for a team learning to compete despite the challenges they’ve faced this season.

“I really applaud our guys fight and grit against a team fighting for the playoffs,” coach Dwane Casey said. “Guys hadn’t been in that situation before. We’ll focus on the lack of boxing out… but overall there was a hell of a lot of growth for this group.”

“We’ll learn from it, grow from it. I’ve seen a lot of growth in a lot of situations.”

When things aren’t going to plan, it’s good to know those in charge see a way forward. So it’s comforting to hear the players and coaches talk about the right issues facing their restoration attempt.

“This is important to all of us.”

For James Wiseman, it’s more than just a game. It’s a second chance to prove he belongs, after having few opportunities with the Golden State Warriors. So these losses aren’t easy for him to take, despite the teams improving draft positioning. But it’s good to know these players still care and that each loss pulls on their sanity, just as much as it does the fans.

“It should hurt, we talk about growth, but we’re competitors and we should never get used to losing,” Casey said. “James is in the situation and he cares. He’s playing with a pure heart. These are valuable, valuable minutes for him in our league. Next year everything will be in slow motion.”

“We’ll take our hits now, bullets and our wounds now, but down the road everything will be ok.”