UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the Detroit Pistons edged past the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 99-98 at Little Caesars Arena on December 1, 2023. Despite missing several key free throws in the last seconds, the Pistons secured their second consecutive win, maintaining their impressive record of 17-4, the second-best start in franchise history.
With only 17 seconds left in the game, Cade Cunningham scored a crucial layup to extend Detroit’s lead to 99-95. However, the Pistons faced intense pressure as Caris LeVert missed two free throws shortly after, allowing Hawks player Nickeil Alexander-Walker to hit a three-pointer, closing the gap to just one point with just 1.2 seconds remaining.
In a dramatic twist, Pistons player Daniss Jenkins also missed two free throws with only 0.4 seconds left on the clock. The Hawks attempted an inbounds alley-oop play, but it failed, sealing the Pistons’ victory.
Leading the charge, Jalen Duren delivered a stellar performance, posting a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Ron Holland also made significant contributions with 17 points and six rebounds. The Pistons dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Hawks 60-34, including an impressive 18-7 edge on the offensive glass.
Despite their rebounding success, the Pistons faced a growing problem with turnovers, committing a staggering 22 turnovers during the game, which Atlanta capitalized on to score 20 points. This trend follows a troubling pattern, as Detroit had recently recorded back-to-back games with over 20 turnovers, including 24 against the Orlando Magic and 21 versus the Miami Heat.
Head Coach Dwane Casey acknowledged the need to address these turnover issues to maintain their winning momentum. “We need to tighten our ball control,” Casey stated in the post-game interview. “Every possession counts, especially in close games like this.”
The Pistons will need to refine their game as they prepare for their next matchup. Fans are eager to see if they can build on this win streak, now at 15 wins in their last 17 games, including a franchise-record-tying 13-game winning streak earlier in the season.
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