The Detroit Pistons narrowly missed extending their winning streak to three games as they face the Atlanta Hawks at home on Friday.
A buzzer-beating putback by Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller turned a potential win into a one-point loss for the Pistons. Before this, Detroit had secured victories against the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rookie Ron Holland’s basket with 6.1 seconds left after a Charlotte turnover had given the Pistons a brief one-point lead. Third-year center Jalen Duren played only eight minutes due to an ankle sprain. In his absence, Paul Reed stepped up, contributing 13 points, two rebounds, and two steals in just 12 minutes.
Cade Cunningham recorded his second consecutive triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, though he shot 9-for-23 from the field and failed to make a 3-pointer. Most of his scoring came early in the game.
The Hawks have won two of their last three games, including an impressive 121-116 home victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Top overall pick Zaccharie Risacher had a breakout game with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocked shots, surpassing his previous season high of 17 points.
Risacher, who was shooting 32.9 percent from the field before the game, received encouragement from coach Quin Snyder to remain aggressive offensively. Snyder is prepared for Risacher to have ups and downs throughout his rookie season.
Atlanta overcame a five-point deficit with less than three minutes remaining by going on a 13-1 run. Jalen Johnson contributed 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Trae Young added 23 points and 10 assists after being held to just two points in the previous game against Boston.
Friday’s game is the first of a back-to-back set for the Hawks, who will host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
