The Detroit Pistons went on a strong scoring streak in the second half and secured a 120-104 home win against the top-ranked Oklahoma City Thunder, despite having the worst record in the NBA.
Jalen Duren had a career-best performance with 22 points and 21 rebounds, while Jaden Ivey contributed 19 points as the Detroit Pistons secured their second win in three games with a strong 20-6 scoring run from late in the third quarter to the beginning of the fourth against the Thunder. Eight players from the Pistons scored at least nine points, and Duren also recorded six assists alongside his double-double.
Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31-point game, the Thunder managed to cut a 14-point deficit to 87-84 in the third quarter. However, the Pistons responded with a 13-2 run to close out the third and carried the momentum into the final quarter, ultimately extending their lead to as much as 19 points through balanced scoring and aggressive defense.
Bennedict Mathurin scored 24 points as Indiana defeated Memphis in Indianapolis, despite the absence of Tyrese Haliburton due to injury. Mathurin, who came off the bench, made 9 of 14 shots and grabbed seven rebounds. Pascal Siakam and Jalen Smith contributed 19 points each, with Smith also securing 10 rebounds. Andrew Nembhard finished with 16 points and nine assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 25 points, while Vince Williams Jr. added 20 points and eight rebounds, and GG Jackson scored 18 points. The Pacers outshot the Grizzlies 48.9% to 46.3% from the floor.
Saddiq Bey had his best scoring performance of the season with 26 points, including a game-winning dunk with one second left, to help Atlanta break a four-game losing streak by narrowly defeating Toronto. The Raptors briefly took the lead with seven seconds remaining, but the Hawks managed to secure the win. Bey also contributed 13 rebounds and was one of four Hawks players to achieve a double-double. Trae Young scored 30 points and provided 12 assists, Clint Capela had 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Jalen Johnson added 17 points and 12 rebounds. Toronto, who suffered their fifth consecutive loss, were led by Scottie Barnes and Jordan Nwora, both of whom scored 24 points.
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