Cade Cunningham scored 32 points as the Detroit Pistons held off the Boston Celtics 112-105 on Monday, extending their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings.
The Pistons point guard delivered a dynamic offensive performance in a back-and-forth contest that saw the lead change hands 15 times before Detroit pulled away in the final minutes. Cunningham, averaging just under 27 points this season, hit six three-pointers and shot 11-of-21 from the field, helping Detroit improve to 21-5 in the conference.
Detroit had to work hard for their fourth consecutive win after a resilient effort from Boston, who led by as many as 12 points in the second quarter before being caught.
"We love games like this that are tough, muddy," Cunningham said. "I think the game getting that way turns us up a little bit more."
Detroit’s bench contributed 47 points, with Caris LeVert adding 13 points in 19 minutes and Jaden Ivey scoring 10.
"We're deep—we got starters up and down the roster," Cunningham added. "Guys who come in and do their job better than anybody in the league. It's fun to play with."
For Boston, Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 34 points, while Derrick White added 31.
Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors moved into third place with a 106-96 road win over the Miami Heat. Brandon Ingram scored 28 points as Toronto outscored Miami 32-19 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Source: AFP
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
