Cade Cunningham delivered a stellar performance, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 118-115 comeback victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Cunningham scored 32 points and dished out nine assists as Detroit improved to 18-18.
Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 26 points, and Jalen Duren added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Detroit, which has now won seven of its last eight games, erased a 22-point deficit to secure its fourth straight victory.
Anfernee Simons led Portland with a game-high 36 points and nine assists, while Shaedon Sharpe contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Despite their strong start, the Trail Blazers dropped to 12-23 on the season.
The Trail Blazers dominated early, shooting 53.3% from the field compared to Detroit’s 44.7%. However, the Pistons capitalized on free throws, converting 19-of-22 attempts while Portland managed just 3-of-5 from the line. Detroit also controlled the offensive glass, grabbing 17 offensive rebounds to Portland’s seven.
Hardaway ignited Detroit’s late-game rally by tying the score with a jumper at the 3:39 mark before sinking a crucial three-pointer to give the Pistons a 109-106 lead. Malik Beasley added another key three-pointer with 1:12 remaining, putting Detroit up 114-110.
Portland kept the game close, with Deandre Ayton cutting the deficit to two points on a dunk in the final minute. However, Duren’s putback on the next possession extended Detroit’s lead and sealed the win.
The Trail Blazers, playing without several key contributors, including Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle, couldn’t maintain their hot start. Their shooting efficiency kept them competitive, but missed opportunities at the free-throw line and on the boards ultimately cost them the game.
For Detroit, the win represents more than just a single game. The team hasn’t reached the .500 mark this late in the season since 2018-19, a year that ended with a playoff appearance.
The Trail Blazers will aim to regroup when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next contest. With a struggling record, Portland must find consistency to climb out of the Western Conference basement.
