In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, the Miami Heat secured their fourth consecutive victory, defeating the Detroit Pistons 118-112. Norman Powell was the standout performer for the Heat, scoring an impressive 36 points, while Bam Adebayo contributed significantly with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
On the other side, Cade Cunningham showcased his talents for Detroit, finishing with 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, with Marcus Sasser providing additional support by scoring 18 points.
Miami established a commanding lead, going up by as much as 22 points in the second half. Despite this, the Pistons fought back late in the game. They were down 114-103 with just two minutes remaining but managed to pull within five after a quick six-point burst. Javonte Green’s clutch three-pointer brought Detroit closer, but Jaime Jaquez Jr. responded with a crucial jumper, extending Miami’s lead to four points.
Amidst the pressure, Powell secured the win for the Heat with two free throws in the final seconds, marking his first points of the fourth quarter. Jaquez was also a key contributor for Miami, finishing with 19 points, while Andrew Wiggins added 17.
One notable aspect of the game was the Pistons’ struggle from beyond the arc. Normally adept at rebounding, Detroit was held to a mere 20% from three-point range in the first half, while Miami excelled, grabbing 22 defense rebounds out of 24 attempts.
The Heat began the second half with a commanding 15-2 run, further widening their lead. Although the Pistons’ reserves tightened the game by cutting the deficit to 94-81 by the end of the third quarter, they ultimately fell short.
As the teams prepare for their next games, the Heat will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, while the Pistons will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Miami’s recent success showcases their resilience and determination as they look to build on their winning streak.