Malik Beasley erupted for a career-best 36 points as the Detroit Pistons (26-26) built an early 34-point lead and held off the Philadelphia 76ers (20-31) for a 125-112 victory on Friday night.
Beasley, whose previous career-high was 35 points in 2019, hit nine three-pointers to keep Detroit in control. Tobias Harris added 22 points and nine rebounds, while Ausar Thompson contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Jalen Duren posted a double-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists despite limited minutes due to foul trouble.
Detroit dominated the first half, leading 78-49 at the break. The Pistons’ 42-point first quarter and 78-point first half were both season highs. Marcus Sasser’s off-balance three-pointer at the first-quarter buzzer helped set the tone.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 27 points and seven assists, ending his streak of 16 straight games with at least 28 points. Joel Embiid, playing in just his second game since January 4, finished with 23 points, including 20 in the second half.
Philadelphia trimmed the deficit to 11 points late in the fourth quarter, but Beasley responded with back-to-back threes to secure the win. Detroit capitalized on 17 made three-pointers while holding the 76ers to 41.9% shooting from deep.
Paul George, Maxey, and Embiid played together for just the 11th time this season, with the 76ers now holding a 7-4 record in those games. George finished with 14 points, while Justin Edwards added 11.
Cade Cunningham missed the game for Detroit due to a sprained right ankle. The Pistons’ balanced attack saw Isaiah Stewart and Simone Fontecchio each contribute 10 points off the bench.
