ATLANTA >> There was a slight nervousness on the Detroit Pistons’ side Monday afternoon at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green drilled a 3-point field goal over Isaiah Stewart to cut the Pistons’ once 15-point lead to five (90-85) with 8:48 left in the fourth quarter.

In a game where the Pistons dominated from the opening tip, Green’s shot kept the Rockets alive. With presumed All-Star guard Cade Cunningham taking a breather, Detroit needed someone to keep the team afloat in an attempt to avoid a massive collapse.

Marcus Sasser called for his own number and nailed a floater over the top of Amen Thompson on the Pistons’ next offensive possession. A few minutes later, the second-year guard connected on a 3-pointer in transition to give Detroit a 10-point lead (95-85) and the momentum that led to a 107-96 victory.With his family and friends in attendance, the former All-American at the University of Houston and American Athletic Conference Player of the Year winner (2023) told The Detroit News he had extra motivation to deliver an impactful performance. However, Sasser’s contributions against the Rockets exemplified how the Pistons have benefited from his talents amid the loss of Jaden Ivey.

“I’ve always just stayed mentally ready,” Sasser told The Detroit News. “Not zoning out and staying in the game. If I get that opportunity to get into the game, then the next step is to believe in the work I’ve put in since the offseason.”

Since training camp, the idea of adding talent to the Pistons’ roster has been a hot topic. The conversation surrounding their talent — or lack thereof — intensified after Ivey sustained a massive leg injury on Jan. 1. But instead of panicking and forcing an irrational trade, coach J.B. Bickerstaff reassured everyone the Pistons had enough talent to maintain their success, despite Ivey’s loss.

Bickerstaff noted he would take a “systematic approach” to replacing Ivey’s production. Since his absence, his plan has led to the Pistons putting together the league’s sixth-best record. They are 8-3 over the last 11 games and continue to keep their postseason hopes alive due to the contributions of several players. But out of everyone who has stepped up over the previous few weeks, Sasser has been one of the most impactful.

“He is fearless; it is an amazing trait to have for a guy like that who can get it going no matter the circumstances,” Bickerstaff said. “There have been games where we have not played him until the fourth quarter, and somehow, some way, he finds a way to kickstart us and make an impact. We have complete belief in him. We know his skill set. We love him. His teammates trust him. He has the ability to get it done.”

Sasser has taken advantage of the opportunity created by Ivey’s injury and carved out an important role within Bickerstaff’s rotation. However, at one point in the season, it appeared that Sasser would not have a role at all, given that he began his second year receiving inconsistent minutes.

Sasser recorded eight DNPs during the first 13 games and averaged 6.3 minutes. The only time he received noteworthy playing time came during the Pistons’ 30-point defeat to the New York Knicks on Nov. 1. He played a then-season-high 20 minutes.

Although he finished with two points, Sasser’s performance against the Knicks became the catalyst for how his presence can change the Pistons’ energy while improving Detroit’s subpar play when they are struggling.

Since Jan. 1, Sasser has played an average of 15.0 minutes to go along with 6.0 points on 36.0% shooting from deep and 2.5 assists. Against the Rockets, the Dallas native finished with eight points (3-of-7 on field goals, including 1 of 3 on 3s) and three rebounds in 13 minutes.

“Marcus is a hooper,” guard Malik Beasley said. “Whenever his number is called, he is always ready. … Always making big plays for us.”

In Detroit’s road victory against the Knicks on Jan. 13, his play in the fourth quarter led to him departing the Big Apple as the latest recipient of the BTA honor (Belt to Ass) — a WWE championship-style belt awarded to the player who put the team in the best position to win.

The Pistons remain hopeful that Ivey will be able to return this season. Amid any potential setbacks, the Pistons should be reevaluating their injured two-guard during the first week of February, which is still not an indication of a possible return.

However, whether Ivey returns from his injury, Sasser will remain a part of the Pistons’ core as they continue their season of resurgence.