PHOENIX — Cade Cunningham produced an impressive performance with 28 points and 13 assists, while Jalen Duren contributed 17 points and secured 11 rebounds as the Detroit Pistons triumphed over the Phoenix Suns with a score of 133-125 on Saturday night.

The Pistons maintained control for most of the contest, never trailing after the opening minutes. Although Phoenix narrowed the score to 122-119 thanks to free throws from Kevin Durant with 2:26 remaining, Malik Beasley quickly countered with a crucial three-pointer from the corner, halting the Suns’ comeback efforts.

Durant shone brightly for Phoenix, finishing with a season-best 43 points, shooting 14-for-26 from the field, and converting all 11 free throw attempts. Bradley Beal chipped in 26 points. Nevertheless, the Suns struggled with 19 turnovers, hampering their performance.

In total, seven players from the Pistons reached double-digit scoring, including Jaden Ivey with 20 points, Beasley with 18, and Tim Hardaway Jr. adding 16 points.

Detroit surged to an early advantage, ending the first quarter with a commanding 41-26 lead, capitalizing on seven turnovers from the Suns to score 16 points in that timeframe. By halftime, Phoenix had managed to close the gap to 64-59.

This game marked the Suns’ first without four-time All-Star guard Devin Booker, who is sidelined due to soreness in his left groin.

Highlights from the Game:

Pistons: Detroit’s assertive defense created significant challenges for the Suns throughout the night. The rising team has now secured victories in three of their last five games.

Suns: After a strong start to the season with an 8-1 record, the Suns have since dropped 12 of their last 18 games. Their inability to control turnovers was evident on Saturday, and while Booker’s absence impacted the game, their loose ball handling was inexcusable.

Crucial Moment:

With just under a minute left, the Suns seemed to gain a glimmer of hope until Cunningham sank a three-pointer with 33.8 seconds on the clock, extending the Pistons’ lead to seven points.

Statistical Insight:

Despite shooting nearly 62% from the field in the first three quarters, the Suns still found themselves behind 103-94, largely due to their turnovers and lackluster defensive play.

Looking Ahead:

Next up, the Pistons will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Suns are set to visit the Denver Nuggets on Monday.