Pistons Edge Heat with Late Three-Pointer, Extend Miami’s Losing Streak
In a dramatic finish on Wednesday night, the Detroit Pistons outlasted the Miami Heat with a 116-113 victory, handing Miami their ninth consecutive defeat. Cade Cunningham delivered a standout performance, capping off the game with a clutch 3-pointer with less than a second on the clock, marking his ninth triple-double of the season.
Game Overview
Cunningham’s impressive stat line included 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, playing a crucial role in leading the Pistons, who found themselves trailing for much of the second half. Despite this, they managed to maintain their composure and clinch the win in the final seconds.
The Heat, who have not experienced a losing streak of this length since the 2007-08 season, saw Bam Adebayo excel on the court, finishing with 30 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Miami entered the fourth quarter leading 93-88, but ultimately succumbed to Detroit’s late-game surge. This marked the 12th instance this season where Miami lost after holding a lead in the fourth quarter.
Key Takeaways
Pistons’ Resurgence
- Detroit entered the game as a 5-point favorite, breaking a 20-game streak in which Miami was favored in their matchups dating back to February 2019.
- This is the first time in several years that Detroit has been such a significant favorite over the Heat, last winning by 6.5 points in 2017.
Challenges for the Heat
- Tyler Herro contributed significantly with 29 points. However, the Heat struggled with rebounding, being outmatched 47-37 and conceding 70 points in the paint.
- The team’s current form raises concerns, as they grapple with maintaining leads late in games.
Crucial Moments
Cunningham was pivotal in the game’s final moments, scoring the last two baskets for the Pistons—both of which were 3-pointers in the last minute. This clutch performance solidified his status as a key player for Detroit this season.
Statistical Highlights
With this performance, Cunningham joined an elite group, becoming only the fourth player to register two triple-doubles against the Miami Heat in a single season, alongside notable players like James Harden and Nikola Jokic.
Upcoming Games
The Pistons will be traveling to Dallas for their next game on Friday, while Miami will continue their homestand with a matchup against the Houston Rockets.
As the season progresses, both teams will aim for better performances, with Detroit looking to build on their recent success and Miami striving to turn the tide after a challenging stretch.
