CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Nov. 6, the Pistons were involved in a thriller that resulted in a one-point loss to the Hornets. The game went down to the wire, as second-year forward Brandon Miller recorded a game-winning basket as time expired.

The Pistons continued to dwell on the loss, feeling that a victory slipped through their fingers following a missed offensive rebound. Two weeks later, they found themselves in another close game against the Hornets, but the results remained the same in a 123-121 overtime loss Thursday night.

After entering the fourth quarter down by 14 points, Tobias Harris led the way in the Pistons' comeback attempt, where he scored 11 of his 26 points. Harris' fourth 3-point field goal with 7:37 left was vital in Detroit beginning the quarter on a 14-8 run. His fifth triple of the night brought the Pistons within two points (107-105) with two minutes left.

Two possessions later, Jaden Ivey, who was in foul trouble most of the night, tied the game at 107 with 1:20 left. Cade Cunningham gave the Pistons a 109-107 lead with 48 seconds remaining following a pair of free throws. However, LaMelo Ball tied the game at 109 on the Hornets' next possession.

Harris opened overtime with his sixth made 3-point field goal, leading to the Pistons' 112-109 lead. However, the Hornets outscored Detroit 14-11. Once again, Miller was essential in the Pistons departing Charlotte with another loss. He scored a game-high 38 points on 15-of-26 shooting. His seventh triple of the game put Charlotte ahead by six (121-115) with 32 seconds left.

When Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff walked into Spectrum Center Thursday night, he knew perimeter defense would be vital in the Pistons beginning their two-game road trip with a victory. The Hornets had established themselves as one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the league, ranking 14th while connecting on 36.5% of their shots.

However, despite stressing its significance, the Pistons failed to implement Bickerstaff's teachings. They allowed the Hornets to shoot 48.0% in the first half with 12 made 3-point field goals. Detroit failed to match Charlotte's production with its second consecutive subpar offensive performance. The Pistons began the night shooting 7 of 24 from deep.

They started the game missing their first five attempts from the field and trailed by as many as 12 points at the 3:59 mark of the period. Cunningham tried his best to keep the Pistons afloat by scoring 13 of his 27 in the first half. Detroit trailed Charlotte 63-59 at the half. Cunningham finished the night by recording his fifth straight double-double by adding 10 assists.

Miller had a solid performance, but the Pistons could not contain Ball. After being benched in the fourth quarter of their previous game against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, Ball followed up a horrid night with one of his best performances of the season. He scored 35 points on 12-of-27 shooting to go along with nine assists. Ball scored 13 points during the third quarter, where the Hornets outscored Detroit 30-20.

Up next

The Pistons will end their two-game road trip on Saturday night against the Orlando Magic. They will then return home to face the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Tipoff between the Pistons and Magic is slated for 7 p.m. at the Kia Center.

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