Pistons one game away from 60 wins after victory vs. Hornets

Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles the ball as center Jalen Duren (0) blocks Hornets guard Sion James (4) during the second quarter at Spectrum Center.

Charlotte — The Detroit Pistons understand the motivation that comes when sustaining a heartbreaking loss. For the Hornets, their moment came on Dec. 20th when they suffered a 112-86 loss to the Pistons. Hornets coach Charles Lee said that upon leaving Little Caesars Arena, they vowed never to let a team embarrass them that way again. Since the loss, the Hornets had been one of the best teams in the league, posting a 34-18 record.

The loss to the Pistons not only revitalized a season that was beginning to look like another losing campaign, but it also laid the groundwork for why the Hornets might be one of the four teams that Detroit could face in the first round of the playoffs.

A preview took place on Friday night at the Spectrum Center. The competitive contest featured 11 lead changes, showcasing how a Pistons vs. Hornets seven-game series could unfold, especially considering Detroit's 118-100 victory.

The Pistons established their dominance in the fourth quarter, starting the period with a 15-2 run in the first four minutes. They held the Hornets to 5 of 18 from the field and 0 of 9 from behind the arc during the period. Charlotte entered the fourth shooting 42% from the field and had made 13 three-point field goals. As a result, the Pistons held a 93-90 lead at the start of the quarter.

Despite foul trouble, Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Duncan Robinson added 19 points on 6 of 11 shooting. In his second game back from injury, Cade Cunningham played 28 minutes, finishing with 14 points and seven assists.

With the victory, the Pistons have improved their season record to 59-22. They are now just one win away from notching 60 wins for only the third time in franchise history.

LeMelo Ball finished with a team-best 27 points and seven assists, while Brandon Miller added 22.

coty.davis@detroitnews.com

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons one game away from 60 wins following win vs. Hornets