Pistons survive Nuggets’ rally as Murray misses critical free throws late

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Pistons survive Nuggets’ rally as Murray misses critical free throws late image

Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

By Joel Reyes

The Detroit Pistons extended their winning streak to two games, recording a 109-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday (PH time) at Ball Arena. Six players scored in double figures for the Pistons, who remained in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 34-11 record.

Cade Cunningham led the way for Detroit, posting a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists. Tobias Harris added 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson each scored 14 points for the Pistons, who survived a late outburst from the Nuggets.

Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

The Pistons started off strongly, building a 31-18 lead after the first quarter before settling for a 52-46 advantage at the half. Cunningham, Harris, Ausar Thompson, and Javonte Green powered Detroit’s offense during that period, each dropping 8 points.

The Pistons stretched their lead to 12 points in the fourth quarter before the Nuggets made a late rally. Denver slashed the deficit to one point at 102-103 after Tim Hardaway Jr. drained a 3-pointer with 56.9 seconds left.

After both teams traded baskets, Detroit restored its 3-point lead following a fadeaway jumper from Harris with 18.1 seconds left. Denver had an opportunity to tie the game when Jamal Murray was fouled while attempting a 3-pointer with 3.5 seconds left, but he missed his first free-throw attempt. He made the last two free throws to cut Detroit’s lead to 107-106.

Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Harris made it a 3-point game again, knocking down both of his free throws with 2.0 seconds left. Murray had an opportunity to send the game into overtime after he was fouled again while attempting a 3-point shot. He failed to convert his last two free throws, though, giving Detroit the victory.

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