The Detroit Pistons staged an impressive comeback on Thursday night, erasing a 16-point first-half deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 108-105 at Little Caesars Arena. The victory helped solidify the Pistons' position at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Duren's Dominance and Detroit's Gritty Comeback
The story of the night was the paint dominance of young center Jalen Duren. He was a force on both ends, finishing with a powerful double-double of 16 points and 18 rebounds. His athleticism was on full display, including a highlight-reel one-handed dunk where he soared over multiple Suns defenders.
While star guard Cade Cunningham had an off shooting night, making only 3 of 16 attempts for 10 points, the Pistons received crucial contributions elsewhere. Duncan Robinson led the team in scoring with 19 points. Veteran forward Tobias Harris delivered in the clutch, hitting a go-ahead jumper in the middle of the fourth quarter to help seal the win.
Suns' Strong Start Falters Without Booker
The Phoenix Suns, playing without injured star Devin Booker, started the game on fire, largely thanks to an historic first quarter from Grayson Allen. Allen became the first player in franchise history to record three blocks and three three-pointers in a single period. He stayed hot, scoring 11 more in the second quarter and finishing with a game-high 33 points.
Phoenix took a 63-56 lead into halftime but couldn't sustain their momentum. Detroit chipped away, closing to within one point by the start of the final period. Collin Gillespie added 18 points for the Suns, while Dillon Brooks scored 16 before fouling out late. The loss was Phoenix's second consecutive defeat.
Other NBA Results: Celtics Overcome 19-Point Hole, Magic Win in Germany
In other NBA action, the Boston Celtics authored a massive comeback of their own, overcoming a 19-point deficit to beat the Miami Heat 119-114. Reserve guard Anfernee Simons was spectacular, scoring 18 of his season-high 39 points in the fourth quarter to lead the charge. Jaylen Brown supported him with 27 points.
History was made in Europe as the Orlando Magic defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 118-111 in the NBA's first-ever regular-season game held in Germany. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Franz Wagner scored 18 in his home country. Memphis played without Ja Morant due to a calf injury.
Other Thursday night scores included:
- Oklahoma City Thunder 111, Houston Rockets 91
- San Antonio Spurs 119, Milwaukee Bucks 101
- Dallas Mavericks 144, Utah Jazz 122
- Golden State Warriors 126, New York Knicks 113
- Portland Trail Blazers 117, Atlanta Hawks 101
- Charlotte Hornets 135, Los Angeles Lakers 117
