Cade Cunningham poured in 29 points and handed out 11 assists as the Detroit Pistons built a massive early cushion and withstood a late surge to beat the Golden State Warriors 131-124 on Friday night.
Detroit erupted for 77 first-half points, the most Golden State has surrendered in any half this season, and shot a blistering 76 percent in the opening quarter. The Pistons led by as many as 20 before the Warriors mounted their customary third-quarter rally, trimming the deficit to single digits. Costly turnovers ultimately doomed Golden State, which committed 18 giveaways that Detroit converted into 31 points.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 23 points before leaving with right knee soreness, marking his fourth straight 20-point game. Draymond Green added 15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, along with his 10th technical foul of the season. Gui Santos matched a season high with 16 points and sparked a late push, hitting a 3-pointer that pulled Golden State within five before Buddy Hield’s layup cut the margin to three.
Jalen Duren delivered a strong interior performance for Detroit with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Duncan Robinson chipped in 15. The Pistons completed a road back-to-back and improved their recent form, winning seven of nine after a loss at Phoenix the night before.
Golden State welcomed center Al Horford into the starting lineup for the fourth straight game, and he contributed 13 points and seven rebounds. The Warriors were returning home from a four-game road trip, one that was shortened by a postponed game in Minneapolis.
Up next:
Detroit hosts Brooklyn on Sunday, while Golden State returns to action at home against Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
