The Atlanta Hawks continued their post-All-Star surge with a 130-129 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena.
Atlanta improved to 41-32 and has now gone 15-2 since the break, the best record in the Eastern Conference during that span.
CJ McCollum led the visitors with 27 points, including the decisive three-point play in overtime that ultimately separated the teams.
Jalen Johnson matched that output with 27 points while adding 12 assists and eight rebounds, finishing just shy of a triple-double and controlling the game as a primary initiator.
The Hawks established control early by building a 21-point lead in the first half through efficient ball movement and perimeter shooting.
An 11-0 run midway through the second quarter extended the margin to 56-39, and another late push sent Atlanta into halftime with a 73-52 advantage.
Detroit responded with urgency after the break, opening the third quarter on a 16-0 run to cut the deficit to two possessions.
That stretch highlighted a shift in defensive intensity and transition scoring, allowing the home side to re-enter the game without relying heavily on half-court execution.
The Pistons continued to apply pressure behind Jalen Duren, who finished with 26 points and 14 rebounds, consistently generating second-chance opportunities.
Tobias Harris added 22 points, while Daniss Jenkins recorded 19 points and 10 assists to stabilize Detroit’s offense in late-game situations.
McCollum took control in the final minutes of regulation, scoring Atlanta’s last 11 points and converting a three-point play to give his team a 121-116 lead with 44 seconds remaining.
Detroit answered again, forcing a tie and pushing the game into overtime after McCollum missed a potential game-winning jumper at the end of regulation.
In overtime, McCollum created separation with another three-point play to make it 126-123, a possession that proved decisive in a one-point final margin.
The Pistons had a final opportunity to win, but Harris missed a jumper and Duren’s follow attempt fell short at the rim.
Atlanta’s offensive balance proved critical, with five players scoring in double figures and the team finishing with 31 assists on 50 made field goals.
The Hawks also controlled the glass with a 50-43 rebounding edge, including 18 offensive rebounds that extended possessions throughout the game.
Detroit shot 51 percent from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 9 of 33 three-point attempts.
The result snapped the Pistons’ four-game winning streak and marked their first loss since Cade Cunningham was sidelined.
Atlanta will face the Boston Celtics on Friday, while Detroit hosts the New Orleans Pelicans in its next outing.
