Cade Cunningham poured in 32 points as the Detroit Pistons outlasted the Boston Celtics 112–105 on Monday, tightening their grip at the top of the Eastern Conference.
In a game that swung relentlessly —
the lead changed hands 15 times — Cunningham once again set the tone. The Pistons guard drilled six three-pointers and shot 11-of-21 from the field, continuing a stellar season in which he’s averaging just under 27 points per game.
Detroit, now 21–5, had to grind for their fourth straight win. Boston looked capable of derailing them after opening up a 12-point lead in the second quarter, but the Pistons stayed composed and surged clear late.
“We love games like this — tough, muddy,” Cunningham said. “When it gets that way, it turns us up a little bit more.”
Depth proved decisive. Detroit’s bench chipped in with 47 points, led by Caris LeVert’s 13 in 19 minutes and Jaden Ivey’s 10.
“We’re deep,” Cunningham added. “We’ve got starters up and down the roster. Guys come in and just do their job — it’s fun to play with.”
Jaylen Brown (34 points) and Derrick White (31) kept Boston alive, but the Celtics couldn’t match Detroit’s late push.
Elsewhere In The NBA
The Denver Nuggets edged the Houston Rockets 128–125 in overtime in a Western Conference heavyweight clash. Nikola Jokic was magnificent, posting a 39-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple-double, with Jamal Murray adding 35.
Alperen Sengun led Houston with 33 points, while Kevin Durant finished with 25 in a contest that saw 17 lead changes.
In Miami, the Toronto Raptors climbed to third in the East with a 106–96 road win over the Heat. Brandon Ingram scored 28 as Toronto dominated the fourth quarter 32–19.
(with AFP inputs)
