The Detroit Pistons snapped a two-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, defeating the NBA-worst Washington Wizards 123-103 on Tuesday night. Cade Cunningham led the charge with 27 points and 10 assists, guiding Detroit to a wire-to-wire victory in a game filled with physical play and late-game flagrant fouls.
Pistons Take Control Early and Never Look Back
Detroit never trailed and maintained a double-digit lead for the entire second half, showcasing a well-rounded offensive attack. Jalen Duren contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Ausar Thompson added eight points despite taking a hard elbow to the face in the fourth quarter.
The Pistons entered the game in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and looked every bit like a playoff contender against a struggling Wizards squad.
Wizards Lose Composure Late
Washington (13-51) had been playing more competitively in recent games, winning three of its last four. However, frustration boiled over in the fourth quarter when Richaun Holmes was ejected for elbowing Thompson in the face while fighting for a rebound. Moments later, Marcus Smart was assessed a flagrant-1 foul for an elbow on Detroit’s Tim Hardaway Jr.
Smart led the Wizards with 16 points, while Bub Carrington and Jordan Poole chipped in 15 each.
Key Moment: Early Game Tensions Boil Over
The physicality wasn’t just limited to the fourth quarter. In the first quarter, Washington’s Kyshawn George shoved Cunningham, prompting a brief scuffle. Khris Middleton escalated the situation by pushing Cunningham, and Poole later shoved Duren before officials stepped in.
Key Stat: Detroit’s Wire-to-Wire Domination
The Pistons never trailed and controlled the game from start to finish, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the second half.
With this victory, Detroit continues its push toward the playoffs, while Washington struggles to find consistency in a rebuilding season.
