The Detroit Pistons responded to a loss to the New York Knicks with a 97-89 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, improving their record to 4-1. Cade Cunningham led the win with 30 points, while Charlotte was hampered by the absence of key players.
Detroit struggled to find its rhythm in the first half, but the game changed in the second. The Pistons outscored the Hornets 53-38 over the final two quarters, scoring 19 points in the third quarter as Cunningham led Detroit’s attack.
Cunningham finished with 30 points and provided the central scoring performance for the Pistons. He also had help from Dennis Schroder, who scored 14 points, Paul Reed with 16 points and Daniss Jenkins with 14. Ausar Thompson contributed seven assists as Detroit’s other players played important supporting roles.
Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 31 points, giving the Hornets a major scoring contribution.
Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 31 points, giving the Hornets a major scoring contribution. Turnovers, however, were a significant issue for Charlotte, while Detroit also struggled with turnovers at times. Those difficulties mattered in a fourth quarter in which the Hornets missed critical shots and Detroit held on for the win.
The victory capped a strong second half for the Pistons and moved them to 4-1. Cunningham’s 30-point performance anchored the 97-89 result, with Detroit’s balanced scoring and second-half advantage proving decisive against a Charlotte team led by Miller’s 31 points.
Charlotte now faces the Washington Wizards next. The Hornets will look to move on from the loss, while the Pistons continue their season with Cunningham leading a team that improved to 4-1.