The Detroit Pistons defeated the Charlotte Hornets 97-89, overcoming a slow start with a dominant 32-point third quarter. Cade Cunningham led the scoring with 30 points, while a cohesive defensive effort held Charlotte to 89 points.
Cunningham and Jenkins drive the offensive recovery
Detroit spent the first half struggling to find a rhythm, but the tide turned just before the break. Daniss Jenkins hit a three-pointer to close out the second quarter, a shot that served as the catalyst for Detroit’s second-half surge. Jenkins finished the night with 14 points on 60% shooting, providing critical baskets and defensive stops during the closing minutes of the game.
Cade Cunningham operated as the engine for the Pistons’ offense. He recorded 30 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while maintaining high efficiency with only one turnover. His ability to stretch the floor was evident, as he connected on four of nine attempts from beyond the arc.
The victory proved Detroit's depth. While the Hornets relied almost exclusively on two players to generate offense, the Pistons utilized four different players to reach double-digit scoring totals. This distribution of scoring allowed Detroit to weather a late push from Charlotte and pull away in the final minutes.
The Robinson-Ausar connection creates mismatches
With Jalen Duren sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Paul Reed stepped into the rotation as a dependable interior presence. Reed contributed 16 points and three steals, showing agility and quick hands that disrupted Charlotte’s passing lanes.
Much of the tactical success for Detroit stemmed from the chemistry between Duncan Robinson and Ausar. The two utilized a dribble handoff (DHO) game that consistently put the Hornets’ defense in a bind. Because opponents are often hesitant to leave Robinson open on the perimeter, defenders are forced to sag off Ausar, only to be caught out of position when the handoff occurs.
This synergy peaked in the fourth quarter when Robinson assisted Ausar for a significant slam. Ausar finished the game with a versatile stat line: seven points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. His final assist to Cunningham for a three-pointer effectively sealed the win for Detroit.
Brandon Miller carries the Hornets’ offense
Charlotte’s struggle was not due to a lack of individual brilliance, but rather a lack of supporting cast. Brandon Miller was a one-man army for the Hornets, recording 31 points and 12 rebounds. Miller spent much of the game targeting Duncan Robinson, utilizing switches to put his shoulder into Robinson’s chest to create space for floaters.
Miller’s scoring was diverse, ranging from three-pointers and push shots to tomahawk slams. However, the Hornets’ offense lacked the balance necessary to keep pace with Detroit’s surge. Aside from Miller, only Dennis Schröder reached double digits with 14 points. Moussa Diabaté, Grayson Allen, and Royce O’Neale each contributed nine points, but they were unable to sustain the momentum needed to overcome Detroit’s defensive tenacity.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Miller (CHA) | 31 | 12 | – |
| Paul Reed (DET) | 16 | – | – |
| Daniss Jenkins (DET) | 14 | – | – |
| Dennis Schröder (CHA) | 14 | – | – |
Looking toward the In-Season Tournament
Despite the win, the Pistons’ slow start is a point of concern. The team now shifts its focus to Friday, where they face the Brooklyn Nets.
This upcoming matchup marks Detroit’s first group stage game in the in-season tournament.
