DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons continued their impressive performance on Wednesday night, defeating the Boston Celtics 117-97 at Little Caesars Arena. This victory marks the Pistons' eighth consecutive win and sees them ending their 12-game losing streak against the defending champions. Malik Beasley led the charge for Detroit, scoring 26 points, which included six three-pointers.
The Pistons (33-26) showcased their strong offensive and defensive capabilities throughout the match. Cade Cunningham contributed significantly with 21 points and 11 assists, which highlighted his dual-threat ability. Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren also played pivotal roles, adding 16 points and nine rebounds, and 13 points and 11 rebounds respectively. The Pistons dominated the rebounding battle, out-boarding the Celtics 49-33.
On the other side, Jayson Tatum was the standout performer for the Celtics, contributing 27 points, and Derrick White and Payton Pritchard chipped in with 18 points each. Despite Boston's high shooting capabilities from beyond the arc, they struggled early on, shooting just 37.5% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.
The Pistons set the tone early, executing a powerful 15-0 run to establish momentum, taking them to a 13-point lead at one point. A fast-break layup from Ron Holland solidified their early lead at 43-28. The Pistons’ strong defensive start held the Celtics to only 12 baskets on 32 attempts during the first half.
Yet, the Celtics responded fiercely before halftime, knocking down eight consecutive three-point attempts, which allowed them to go on a 27-12 run and tie the game at 55 by the end of the second quarter. This offensive surge showcased their remarkable shooting dynamic and ability to come back from significant deficits.
Coming out from halftime, the Pistons regained control with another 22-11 run, partially due to shooting 61.9% from the field and connecting on 71.4% of their three-point attempts during the third quarter. Malik Beasley found his shooting rhythm, making two late three-pointers, extending the Pistons' lead to 17 points early in the fourth quarter. The crowd erupted each time Beasley launched from beyond the arc, showcasing his growing popularity among Pistons fans.
Beasley's performance on Wednesday cemented his status as the team's fan favorite; his on-court leadership and connection to Detroit have endeared him to the local crowd. Notably, he cited his family ties to Michigan as part of his motivation to excel on the court, telling post-game reporters, "Every time I shoot, I feel like it’s for my mom and this city. They’ve embraced me so well, and I want to give them everything I have."
Ausar Thompson also made his mark during the match with impressive defensive maneuvers, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, and five steals. His defensive prowess was particularly highlighted when he generated four turnovers within the first quarter alone, significantly contributing to the Pistons’ early advantage.
With the win against the Celtics, the Pistons not only extended their winning streak but also solidified their standings. They are now on a six-game winning streak at home, demonstrating the support of their fans playing a pivotal role throughout the season.
Looking at the Pistons' upcoming schedule, they aim to maintain this momentum against competitive opponents, hoping to keep the wins rolling as they push toward the playoffs. The previous victory against the Los Angeles Clippers just two nights prior was also significant, indicating the Pistons are no longer the bottom team many expected them to be resourcefully recovering from earlier struggles of the season.
Despite the loss, the Celtics remain comfortably positioned at the top of the Eastern Conference, focusing on correcting the defensive inconsistencies exhibited during their last two matches. With the NBA trade deadline approaching, both teams have potential moves to make to bolster their rosters for the final stretch of the season.
This win not only adds to the Pistons' growing confidence but also highlights their capability to compete against the strongest teams, showcasing their depth and teamwork led by their reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, Cade Cunningham. Moving forward, the Pistons’ ability to enforce their game plan against high-scoring teams will be pivotal as the season progresses, especially under the pressure of playoff aspirations heating up.