DETROIT — Cade Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to a convincing 115-94 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night, breaking out of a recent scoring slump. After a subpar performance the previous night against Denver, Cunningham redeemed himself with nine crucial points in the fourth quarter against the Nets.
Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Jalen Duren also made significant contributions, each scoring 18 points for the Pistons. The team managed to snap the Nets’ four-game losing streak, showcasing a strong performance on the court.
Despite a slow start in their previous game, the Pistons dominated the first quarter against the Nets, shooting an impressive 68.2% from the field. This included a remarkable 77.8% accuracy from beyond the arc, setting the tone for their eventual victory.
Tyrese Martin stood out for the Nets, scoring 23 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pistons’ balanced offensive attack. Brooklyn’s starters struggled, being outscored 73-47 by their Pistons counterparts.
The turning point came in the fourth quarter when the Pistons pulled away from the Nets, with Cunningham leading a decisive 16-6 run that extended their lead to 95-81. The Nets faltered in the final quarter, missing crucial shots and failing to capitalize on opportunities to close the gap.
In a notable subplot, former Piston Killian Hayes, now with the Nets, faced a hostile reception from the Detroit crowd. Hayes, who had a challenging tenure with the Pistons, was booed by fans who remembered his time with the team and the disappointing record during his tenure.
Looking ahead, the Pistons will face the Utah Jazz on Monday night, while the Nets are set to visit the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. The Pistons will aim to build on their recent success, while the Nets will seek to turn their fortunes around after a string of losses.
The game highlighted Cunningham’s resilience and the Pistons’ ability to bounce back from setbacks, showcasing their potential for a successful season ahead.