The Detroit Pistons snapped the Miami Heat’s four-game winning streak in dramatic fashion Monday night, earning a thrilling 125-124 overtime victory. Tim Hardaway Jr. proved to be the hero, draining three clutch 3-pointers in the extra period to propel Detroit to the win.
Cade Cunningham anchored the Pistons with a phenomenal all-around performance, notching his sixth triple-double of the season with 20 points, a career-high 18 assists, and 11 rebounds. Malik Beasley led Detroit in scoring, pouring in 28 points while shooting an impressive 7-of-13 from beyond the arc.
For Miami, Jimmy Butler delivered a historic outing with 35 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals. Despite his efforts, the Heat’s furious second-half comeback fell short. Miami had erased a 19-point deficit in regulation, closing on an 18-2 run to force overtime and even surging ahead by eight points in the extra frame.
In overtime, the Pistons trailed 122-114 after Miami’s hot start. Hardaway Jr. stepped up, hitting two quick 3-pointers to cut the deficit to two with 1:35 remaining. After Tyler Herro missed a contested jumper, Hardaway drained another deep shot to give Detroit a 123-122 lead.
Following a Butler basket to briefly reclaim the lead for Miami, Cunningham responded with a tough shot in the lane. Herro missed twice in the final moments, including a contested 3-point attempt at the buzzer, sealing Detroit’s victory.
Detroit’s 3-point shooting was crucial to their success, as they connected on 50% of their attempts (20-of-40) from beyond the arc. Hardaway Jr.’s clutch shooting was emblematic of the Pistons’ resolve, even as they played shorthanded. Missing Jaden Ivey (knee) and Tobias Harris (thumb), and losing Isaiah Stewart in the first half to a hyperextended knee, Detroit relied on contributions from their bench, including Paul Reed.
Tyler Herro extended his streak of games with at least one 3-pointer to 58, the second-longest in franchise history behind Duncan Robinson’s record 69-game run. However, Herro struggled mightily from deep, hitting just 4-of-17 attempts.
Detroit’s depth and perimeter shooting proved decisive, with Beasley and Hardaway combining for 10 3-pointers. The team’s efficiency from beyond the arc was a major factor in overcoming Miami’s late surge.
Jimmy Butler joined elite company with his performance, becoming just the third player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals in a game. The others to achieve this feat were DeMarcus Cousins in 2018 and George McGinnis in 1976.
Miami returns home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. Detroit will look to build momentum as they host the Utah Jazz on Thursday.
This victory marks a crucial confidence boost for the Pistons, who had lost four of their previous five games. With Cunningham’s continued brilliance and key contributions from veterans like Hardaway Jr., Detroit showed they can compete with anyone, even against one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.
