The Detroit Pistons lost to the Brooklyn Nets 123-108 in front of supportive fans during the final home game of the season.

The Nets got off to a hot start with 47 first quarter points, but the Pistons went on several runs to close the gap in the second quarter.

“I know it feels forever away, but it’s not that far away,” Casey said. “We have the free agency and need to get the picks right, but we’re not that far away.”

Despite the lottery bound record the Pistons have vowed to play with intent to win the few games remaining. “I just want to win,” Jaden Ivey said who’s been visibly frustrated with losing. He finished with 21 points, 10 assists and five rebounds as the only Pistons to record a double-double.

Year 2 @IveyJaden is going to be scary #Pistons #NBA pic.twitter.com/A4rtAbcrfW

— Brandon Dent | @WoodwardSports #DetroitKoolAid (@DetroitKoolAid) April 6, 2023

Jalen Duren continued his solid play with 18 points and eight rebounds, while RJ Hampton had his best game as a Pistons with 27 points and five rebounds.

Hampton said the team hasn’t lost focus of what its playing for despite the season coming to a close. Win, lose or draw Hampton said he plays for his teammates and the name inscribed across the front of the jersey. “We’re so hungry, we want to win so bad,” Hampton said after the game.

“I was proud of the way RJ Hampton played keeping us in the game,” Casey said. “I was proud and happy for him. It’s not easy to come in the middle of the season and perform like that.”

Fighting for playoff positioning the Nets, honed in during the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Mikal Bridges continued his stellar play since the Kyrie Irving trade scoring 26 points and dishing six assists. Center Nic Claxton held down the paint for the Nets with 19 points and seven rebounds.

The Pistons are hoping to learn from these end game situations as they continue charging through the growing pains of a rebuild.