In a nail-biting NBA showdown, Cade Cunningham’s stellar triple-double propelled the Detroit Pistons to a 125-124 overtime victory over the Miami Heat on Monday, snapping Miami’s four-game winning streak. Cunningham’s 20 points, 11 rebounds, and career-high 18 assists marked his sixth triple-double of the season, cementing his role as Detroit’s linchpin.
Tim Hardaway Jr. electrified the extra period with three consecutive three-pointers, flipping the game in Detroit’s favor after Miami surged with an eight-point lead in overtime. Jimmy Butler’s putback briefly restored Miami’s edge, but Cunningham’s clutch bank shot sealed the Pistons’ win with 37.5 seconds left.
Key Stats: Pistons vs. Heat
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cade Cunningham | Pistons | 20 | 11 | 18 |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | Pistons | 28 | 5 | 4 |
| Jimmy Butler | Heat | 35 | 19 | 10 |
Miami’s Tyler Herro added drama with a game-tying three-pointer at the end of regulation, but despite Butler’s triple-double and four steals, the Heat fell short. Malik Beasley’s seven triples and team-high 28 points provided crucial support for Detroit.
Around the League: Jokic and Sixers Shine
In Sacramento, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic secured his 10th triple-double of the season with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists as the Denver Nuggets edged the Kings 130-129 in a breathtaking finish. Jamal Murray led Denver with 28 points, including the game-winner with 8.6 seconds left.
Meanwhile, the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers powered past the Charlotte Hornets 121-108, thanks to Tyrese Maxey’s 40-point outburst and Paul George’s 33-point contribution. LaMelo Ball returned from injury to tally 15 points and 11 assists for Charlotte, but Miles Bridges’ team-high 24 points couldn’t stop Philadelphia’s dominance.
Other Highlights: Bulls Survive Raptors’ Rally
In Toronto, the Chicago Bulls eked out a 122-121 victory, led by Nikola Vucevic’s 24 points and a balanced team effort featuring seven players in double figures. Despite RJ Barrett’s 32 points and Gradey Dick’s 27 for the Raptors, their fourth-quarter comeback fell just short.
From Cunningham’s clutch performance to Jokic’s MVP-caliber brilliance, it was a night of razor-thin margins and unforgettable action across the NBA.
