Anfernee Simons delivered a 34-point performance, but the Portland Trail Blazers could not complete a comeback, falling 119-112 to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night.
Simons shot 14-of-26 from the field, including four three-pointers, to lead Portland’s offense. Jerami Grant added 25 points, while Scoot Henderson contributed 15, but the young backcourt of Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe struggled, combining for just 8-of-25 shooting.
Detroit, now 36-29 and holding the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, was led by Cade Cunningham’s 28 points. Tobias Harris finished with 20 on 9-of-13 shooting, while Jalen Duren posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
The Pistons took control in the second quarter, grabbing the lead for good when Isaiah Stewart scored inside to make it 33-32. Cunningham extended Detroit’s advantage to 92-74 with a layup late in the third quarter.
Portland fought back in the fourth, closing the gap with a 13-6 run capped by a Duop Reath three-pointer. Dennis Schroder’s floater with two minutes remaining gave the Trail Blazers a 113-108 lead, but Detroit responded with key baskets down the stretch to secure the win.
Both teams had difficulty with efficiency, as Portland shot just 39% from the field and 30% from deep. Detroit fared better at 49.4% overall but hit only 32.1% of its three-point attempts.
The game was physical, with 51 fouls called and both teams attempting 32 free throws. Cunningham picked up a technical foul in the contest.
Portland, now 28-37 and 12th in the Western Conference, will look to bounce back in their next matchup, while Detroit aims to build on its strong road trip.
