Pistons Rally Late, Top Blazers 122-116 Behind Cunningham's 29

Detroit outscored Portland 38-31 in the fourth quarter to erase a late deficit and improve to 18-5 on the season, while the Blazers slipped to 9-14. (Photo by Montez Miller/Tell Us Detroit Sports)

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	Cade Cunningham once again set the tone for Detroit’s offense, finishing with 29 points and 9 assists, including 13 points in the fourth quarter as the Pistons turned a 108-103 deficit into a two-possession lead. (Photo by Montez Miller/Tell Us Detroit Sports)
	Pistons Rally Late, Top Blazers 122-116 Behind Cunningham's 29 Bunky McFadden - Sports Tell Us Detroit News DETROIT - The Detroit Pistons used another late surge to pull out a 122-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night, tightening their grip near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Detroit outscored Portland 38-31 in the fourth quarter to erase a late deficit and improve to 18-5 on the season, while the Blazers slipped to 9-14. Cunningham, Robinson Close It Out Cade Cunningham once again set the tone for Detroit’s offense, finishing with 29 points and 9 assists, including 13 points in the fourth quarter as the Pistons turned a 108-103 deficit into a two-possession lead. He put Detroit ahead for good with a steal and layup that made it 112-110 with just over two minutes left. Sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, recently back in the lineup, delivered the dagger shots, burying consecutive three-pointers and adding late free throws as Detroit created enough separation to hold off Portland’s final push. Robinson finished with 14 points and provided the spacing Detroit had been missing in recent games from beyond the arc. Frontcourt Impact and Key Numbers Jalen Duren anchored the interior for the Pistons, contributing 18 points and 8 rebounds while battling Portland’s bigs on the glass. Isaiah Stewart added rim protection with four blocks, repeatedly turning away drives and dunk attempts to help steady Detroit’s defense in a foul-heavy contest. Detroit built an early double-digit cushion and led 65-58 at halftime before Portland clawed back with a strong third quarter that put the visitors briefly in front heading to the final period. The Pistons ultimately won by tightening their perimeter defense late, limiting Portland to just one three-pointer in the fourth while converting their own looks from deep. Avdija Leads Blazers’ Effort For Portland, Deni Avdija turned in a standout performance with 35 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, carrying much of the Blazers’ offense through the first three quarters. Jerami Grant added 29 points and Shaedon Sharpe scored 28, but the rest of the Portland roster combined for only 24 points, leaving the trio with too much of the scoring burden late. The Blazers repeatedly answered Detroit’s runs and briefly led by five in the final minutes before Cunningham and Robinson swung the momentum back to the home side. Portland, now 6-8 on the road, continues its trip with a Sunday matchup in Memphis. What’s Next In Detroit With the victory, the Pistons maintained their status among the East’s early-season pace-setters at 18-5 and bounced back immediately after their previous loss. Detroit’s win also extended its home-court dominance at Little Caesars Arena, where the team has made a habit of strong fourth-quarter finishes. The Pistons will not have much time to celebrate, as they host Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night in the second half of a back-to-back. Another win would further cement Detroit’s position near the top of the conference heading into the heart of the schedule.