Dillon Brooks poured in a career-high 40 points, Grayson Allen added 24, and the Phoenix Suns handed the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons a 114-96 loss on Thursday night.
Phoenix controlled the game for most of the night and pulled away late, winning for the fifth time in seven games to move 10 games over .500 for the first time this season at 29-19.
Brooks was unstoppable, scoring 38 points through three quarters before slicing through the lane for a layup with 5:43 remaining to cap his night at 40. He finished 13 of 22 from the floor with eight rebounds, eclipsing his previous career high of 37 set in 2021. The outburst came on a night the first 5,000 fans received “Dillon The Villain” shirts — a fitting tribute to his fiery reputation.
Detroit, which had won nine of its previous 11 games, was led by Cade Cunningham’s 26 points. Jalen Duren chipped in 23 points and 13 rebounds as the Pistons suffered just their third loss in 12 outings.
The Suns jumped out early, making their first four 3-pointers and riding Brooks’ hot shooting to a 72-56 halftime lead. Brooks scored 24 points before the break, hitting 8 of 11 shots with a mix of turnaround jumpers and 3s.
Detroit trimmed the deficit to 77-74 midway through the third quarter, but Phoenix responded to take a 93-81 lead into the fourth and never let the game slip. Brooks scored the last of his points during a steady closing stretch that kept the Pistons at arm’s length.
Devin Booker missed his third straight game for Phoenix with a sprained ankle.
Up next:
Pistons: At Golden State on Friday night.
Suns: Host Cleveland on Friday night.
