DETROIT — In an exhilarating overtime match, Tim Hardaway Jr. sank three crucial 3-pointers, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 125-124 triumph over the Miami Heat on Monday night, ultimately halting the Heat’s four-game winning streak.
Cade Cunningham put in an impressive performance, scoring 20 points and achieving career-best numbers with 18 assists and 11 rebounds, marking his sixth triple-double this season. Meanwhile, Miami’s Jimmy Butler was a standout as well, contributing a staggering 35 points, along with 19 rebounds and 10 assists.
Malik Beasley was the Pistons’ leading scorer with 28 points, showcasing his sharpshooting by converting 7 out of 13 attempts from beyond the arc. The Heat faced adversity when they found themselves down by 19 points during the second half but managed to mount a comeback, finishing regulation with an 18-2 run and scoring the first eight points of overtime.
In the closing moments of overtime, Hardaway’s back-to-back 3-pointers brought Detroit within striking distance at 122-120 with just 1:35 remaining. Following a missed jumper by Tyler Herro, Hardaway connected again from long range, giving the Pistons a crucial 123-122 lead. Both teams exchanged baskets, but as the game wound down, Herro missed another shot with 19 seconds left. A late turnover granted Miami one last look, but Herro’s final 3-point attempt clanged off the rim as time expired.
The Pistons displayed sharp shooting, hitting 50% of their 3-point attempts, going 20 of 40 from deep. Despite their struggles, the victory was a much-needed boost for a team that had lost four of their last five games.
In terms of key takeaways, Herro’s off night saw him hit only 4 of 17 from long range, extending his impressive streak of 58 consecutive games with at least one 3-pointer—the second-longest in franchise history. The record is held by Duncan Robinson with a streak of 69 games.
The Pistons were also facing lineup challenges, with Jaden Ivey (knee) and Tobias Harris (thumb) sidelined, and they lost Isaiah Stewart early in the game due to a hyperextended left knee, leading to increased minutes for Paul Reed.
A pivotal moment occurred when the Pistons surged ahead, outscoring the Heat 11-2 in the initial four minutes after halftime.
Notable statistics include Butler becoming only the third player in NBA history to compile at least 35 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals in a single game, joining the ranks of DeMarcus Cousins (2018) and George McInnis (1976).
Looking ahead, the Heat are scheduled to host Oklahoma City on Friday, while the Pistons will welcome the Utah Jazz on Thursday.
