DETROIT — Cade Cunningham delivered a standout performance with 32 points and nine assists, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 118-115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. This win marked an important milestone for the Pistons, bringing their record to .500 (18-18) for the first time since after New Year’s Day in 2019. In contrast, they struggled last season, finishing with a dismal 3-33 record after their first 36 games. Notably, the Pistons have found their rhythm, winning seven of their last eight games.
Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed significantly with 26 points, and Jalen Duren added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. On the other side, Anfernee Simons shone for Portland, scoring 36 points and dishing out nine assists, while Shaedon Sharpe also made a strong impact with 20 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds. The Trail Blazers initially took command of the game, building a substantial 22-point lead in the first half.
As the game neared its conclusion, Hardaway brought the Pistons back into contention with a crucial jumper, leveling the score with just under four minutes on the clock. He later nailed a 3-pointer, giving Detroit a narrow 109-106 lead. The teams exchanged baskets, but Simons’s layup reduced the gap to a single point for Portland.
Malik Beasley then delivered a pivotal 3-pointer, pushing the Pistons ahead 114-110. In the final moments, Deandre Ayton managed a dunk for the Blazers, cutting the lead, but Duren responded with a putback, ensuring Detroit held a four-point advantage as the clock wound down.
In a pre-game highlight, Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups was celebrated for his pivotal role in the Pistons’ 2004 championship run and his recent induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
This game was significant for the Pistons; they have not reached a .500 record post-New Year since finishing 41-41 in the 2018-19 season, a year in which they made the playoffs but faced disappointment after Blake Griffin’s injury led to a sweep by Milwaukee.
A turning point occurred early in the second quarter when the Trail Blazers exploded offensively, recording a 17-0 run powered by four consecutive 3-pointers from Sharpe and Simons, signaling their dominance at that moment.
Statistically, despite outshooting Detroit 53.3% to 44.7%, the Trail Blazers struggled from the free-throw line, converting only 3 of 5 attempts, while the Pistons capitalized by hitting 19 of 22. Additionally, Detroit outperformed Portland in offensive rebounds, with a tally of 17-7.
Looking ahead, the Trail Blazers are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, while the Pistons will take on the Brooklyn Nets on the same day.
