Cade Cunningham records third consecutive triple-double in win over Hawks

DETROIT — Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder said he did not know much about the Detroit Pistons this season except that they have established a reputation as one of the hardest-playing teams in the league. Friday night at Little Caesars Arena, Snyder gained a better understanding, as the Pistons beat the Hawks, 122-121.

The Pistons nearly fell apart in the fourth quarter, where the Hawks outscored them 36-27. Detroit held a one-point lead (120-119) when Trae Young connected on a pair of foul shots to complete a near 24-point comeback. In the final seconds, Cade Cunningham scored a game-winning basket, which led to the Pistons winning their third game in four tries.

Detroit had arguably its best quarter of the season due to the ball movement displayed in the first period. They recorded 14 assists, which led to an early 40-23 lead. Cade Cunningham accounted for seven of the Pistons' assists, setting a league high for the most dimes in a quarter so far this season. He finished the first half with 10. Three came from Tobias Harris, who began the night shooting 5 of 6 from the field and 3 of 5 from behind the arc for 16 first-half points.

Harris finished the night with 22 points on 7-of-13 shooting, six rebounds and three blocks. Cunningham recorded his third consecutive triple-double with 22 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds. Young led the Hawks with a game-high 35 points and 13 assists.

With 8:30 left in the second quarter, Malik Beasley’s and-1 basket extended the Pistons' lead to 24 points (49-25). However, the Hawks began to find their rhythm shortly after. Atlanta outscored Detroit 28-17 to come within 13 points by halftime (66-53). A huge reason for the Hawks' comeback came from the Pistons' turnover woes. They gave up the ball seven times in the final six minutes.

Atlanta carried its momentum into the third quarter. Young led the Hawks’ comeback attempt. After starting the night shooting 4 of 16, he scored seven points in the period. However, Jalen Johnson gave the Hawks a significant boost, where he scored 12 of his 20 points. With 1:30 left, Johnson’s 3-point field goal cut the Pistons’ double-digit lead to three (88-85). Jaden Ivey's layup helped the Pistons close the frame on a 10-0 run. Ivey ended the game with 18 points.

The Hawks trailed the Pistons 108-103 with six minutes left when Young connected on a wide-open jumper to bring Atlanta within three. A few possessions later, Daniels tied the game at 114 with a layup, but Harris connected on a huge triple to push Detroit back in front by three (117-114) with 3:17 left. On the next offensive possession, Ivey's and-1 basket put the Pistons ahead 120-116.

Isaiah Stewart started at center in place of Jalen Duren, who missed his first game of the season due to an ankle sprain. Stewart added a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Up next

The Pistons will continue their three-game homestand on Sunday afternoon against the Houston Rockets. On Tuesday night, their homestand will end against the Miami Heat, which also marks the start of the Emirates NBA Cup 2024. Tipoff between the Pistons and Rockets is slated for Little Caesars Arena at 3 p.m.