Cade Cunningham returned from a three-game absence to post 25 points and 10 assists as the Detroit Pistons defeated the Atlanta Hawks 120-112 on Tuesday night at State Farm Arena.
Jalen Duren added 24 points and eight rebounds, helping Detroit extend its winning streak to 11 games, the longest active streak in the NBA this season.
The Pistons raced out early as Duncan Robinson scored 14 points, including three 3-pointers in the first five minutes, giving Detroit an early cushion against a short-handed Atlanta team.
Atlanta, missing Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis, and Zaccharie Risacher, relied on Jalen Johnson’s 25 points, nine assists, and three steals to keep pace throughout the first three quarters.
Detroit led by 19 in the second quarter and maintained a 94-80 advantage late in the third before the Hawks cut the deficit to one with 6:08 remaining.
Cunningham responded with a clutch jumper after Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s two free throws brought Atlanta within two, helping the Pistons pull away in the final minutes.
Dyson Daniels contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals for the Hawks, who had snapped a five-game winning streak prior to facing Detroit.
Detroit shot 54 percent overall and hit 10 of 31 from three, converting 20 of 24 free throws while outrebounding Atlanta 39-35, including seven offensive boards that fueled multiple second-chance opportunities.
Cunningham became the first Pistons player in franchise history with 25-plus points and 10-plus assists in five consecutive games. Paul Reed, Ausar Thompson, and Javonte Green also made contributions off the bench to maintain Detroit’s momentum.
Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu scored 21 points with four three-pointers, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 24 points, but the team couldn’t overcome the Pistons’ balanced attack and depth.
Detroit will visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, while Atlanta travels to San Antonio on Thursday.
