Malik Beasley scored 23 points as the Detroit Pistons secured their fifth consecutive win, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 113-98 on Wednesday night. Detroit improved to 19-18, climbing above .500 for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
The Pistons’ bench was a decisive factor, outscoring Brooklyn’s reserves 50-20. Simone Fontecchio contributed 17 points, while Marcus Sasser added 15. Detroit’s fast-break dominance (38-13) and efficient shooting (52.3% from the field) propelled the team to its eighth victory in nine games.
Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ leading scorer this season, had a quiet outing with 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 10 points, helping Detroit control the pace despite Cunningham’s below-average performance.
Noah Clowney led all scorers with 29 points for Brooklyn, adding six rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Martin posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Nets struggled offensively, shooting just 38.4% from the floor while missing key players, including Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas, and D’Angelo Russell.
The Nets’ depth was tested with six rotation players sidelined, leaving Brooklyn outmatched in the paint (54-36) and unable to counter Detroit’s balanced scoring attack. This marks the Nets’ seventh consecutive home loss and their third straight defeat overall, dropping their record to 13-24.
