The Detroit Pistons secured a narrow 109–107 road win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night after surviving a dramatic late comeback. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 22 points as the Pistons strengthened their grip on the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The victory showed Detroit’s growing maturity and ability to close out tight games.
Detroit looked in control early after opening an 18-point lead in the second quarter. Their offense flowed smoothly, and the defense limited Denver’s scoring chances. At that stage, the game appeared to be heading toward a comfortable win for the visitors.
However, Denver refused to back down and turned the contest into a tense finish. The Nuggets rallied late, forcing Detroit to stay composed under pressure in the closing seconds.
Denver Pushes Back Despite Missing Starters
The Nuggets played without four key starters, including two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Even with a depleted lineup, Denver showed strong effort and discipline throughout the second half. The home side steadily reduced the deficit and kept the crowd engaged.
Their comeback peaked late in the fourth quarter when they closed the gap to 107–106 with four seconds left. The momentum briefly swung in Denver’s favor, placing the Pistons under heavy pressure.
The performance reminded fans that even short-handed teams can remain dangerous when they play with confidence, urgency, and home-court support.
Murray’s Missed Free Throws Decide the Game
Denver had a final chance to force overtime when Jamal Murray was fouled while attempting a three-pointer with one second remaining. Detroit held a 109–106 lead, and Murray stepped to the line for three free throws.
Murray missed his second and third attempts, ending Denver’s comeback hopes. The misses sealed the Pistons’ victory and brought the intense contest to a dramatic close.
The win improved Detroit’s record to 34–11, extending their lead in the Eastern Conference and reinforcing their status as serious title contenders.
Thunder Continue Dominant Run Against Pelicans
Elsewhere on Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive season with a 104–95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The victory lifted Oklahoma City to a league-best 38–10 record and kept them firmly among the NBA’s elite teams.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again led the Thunder with a standout performance. He finished with 29 points, six rebounds, and four assists while extending his streak of scoring at least 20 points to 118 consecutive games.
His consistency has been a key factor in Oklahoma City’s success, as he continues to deliver elite performances night after night.
Gilgeous-Alexander Closes in on Historic Mark
With his latest outing, Gilgeous-Alexander moved closer to one of the NBA’s most famous records. He now sits just eight games away from matching Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 126 straight games with at least 20 points.
The milestone highlights his reliability as a scorer in today’s NBA. Regardless of defensive pressure or game situation, he continues to produce at a remarkably high level.
Chet Holmgren added 20 points, while Isaiah Joe contributed 17 off the bench. Their support ensured the Thunder maintained control against a competitive Pelicans side.
Post-Game Scuffle Follows Thunder Win
Despite the strong performance, tensions flared after the final buzzer in Oklahoma City. A confrontation between Thunder defender Lu Dort and Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears escalated into a brief scuffle involving multiple players.
Officials and coaches quickly intervened to restore order. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident briefly overshadowed the game itself.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault later criticized the officiating, saying officials lost control during the final minutes and allowed tensions to build.
76ers Overpower Bucks in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, the 76ers claimed a commanding 139–122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Joel Embiid and Paul George led the charge, combining for 61 points in a dominant offensive display.
George delivered a sharp shooting performance, sinking nine three-pointers on his way to 32 points. Embiid added 29 points, while Tyrese Maxey chipped in with 22 to round out the scoring effort.
The win improved Philadelphia’s record to 25–21, while Milwaukee dropped to 18–27 after suffering a third straight loss.
Embiid Finds Confidence in Consistency
Joel Embiid said the performance meant more than just another win. After dealing with repeated injuries in recent seasons, the star center said he feels encouraged by his growing consistency.
Embiid described the past few years as emotionally difficult but said recent performances have restored his confidence. He followed the Bucks game after scoring 38 points against the New York Knicks over the weekend.
He added that staying healthy has reminded him to appreciate every moment on the court.
Knicks Extend Winning Streak at Home
In New York, the Knicks earned their third straight victory with a 103–87 win over the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden. The game stayed close for much of the night before New York pulled away late.
Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 28 points and guided the Knicks through a physical contest. New York dominated the final quarter with a 31-point surge that put the game out of reach.
Brunson later described the win as ugly but stressed the importance of finding ways to win on difficult nights.
NBA Night Full of Drama and Depth
Tuesday’s games highlighted the NBA’s depth and unpredictability. Contenders faced tough tests, even against injured opponents, while star players continued to shine across the league.
From Detroit’s narrow escape in Denver to Oklahoma City’s steady pursuit of history, the night delivered excitement across both conferences. As the season moves forward, consistency and resilience will remain key in the playoff race.
For fans, the results served as another reminder that NBA games often hinge on a single moment, whether it is a missed free throw, a late scoring run, or a surge of emotion after the final buzzer.