Cade Cunningham delivered a standout performance with 32 points and nine rebounds, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 106-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
Jalen Duren dominated the boards with 12 points and 19 rebounds, while Tobias Harris added 20 points for Detroit, which secured its seventh consecutive win. The Pistons (32-26) snapped a 10-game losing streak against the Clippers and remained in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
Detroit had not won seven straight games since the 2014-15 season. With 58 games played, the team now has its best record since the 2007-08 campaign, which was the last time the franchise won a playoff game.
James Harden led the Clippers (31-26) with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, but he struggled from the field, shooting 5-for-22. Ivica Zubac contributed 13 points and 16 rebounds, but Los Angeles failed to contain Cunningham’s offensive outburst.
The Pistons built an early lead, outscoring the Clippers 23-17 in the first quarter. Los Angeles responded with a strong second quarter behind Harden’s playmaking and went into halftime tied at 51-51.
Detroit pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 34-26 behind Cunningham’s efficient scoring. The Pistons maintained control in the fourth, closing out the game with key defensive stops.
Harden’s shooting woes were a major factor in the Clippers’ defeat, as he hit just three of his 11 three-point attempts. Bogdan Bogdanović also struggled, going 1-for-12 from deep and finishing with 13 points.
Los Angeles played without Ben Simmons, who sat out due to knee soreness. Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell also remained sidelined with injuries.
For Detroit, reserve forward Simone Fontecchio missed the game with a hand injury. The Pistons also got solid contributions from their bench, with Malik Beasley scoring nine points and Dennis Schröder adding seven.
