Detroit PistonsOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Charlotte Hornets 110–104 on February 9 at Spectrum Center, with Cade Cunningham leading the way with 33 points and Derrick Robinson adding 18 in a defensive showcase. Detroit's superior efficiency proved decisive: the Pistons shot 47.1 percent from the field while holding Charlotte to 41.5 percent, and forced 12 steals to the Hornets' four. The visitors dominated the second quarter, outscoring Charlotte 32–24 to establish control, then weathered a fourth-quarter Hornets rally fueled by B. Miller's 24 points and K. Knueppel's 20. Charlotte's 19 three-pointers kept them competitive despite shooting just 41.5 percent overall, but Detroit's rebounding edge (41–39) and turnover discipline (10 turnovers versus Charlotte's 18) sealed the outcome. The combined 214 points fell well short of the 222.5 Vegas total, reflecting the defensive intensity throughout. Detroit's second-quarter surge and Charlotte's inability to convert efficiently underscore the margin; the Pistons' 115.4 offensive rating against a 107.8 defensive rating shows they're maintaining competitive form in a tight Eastern Conference race.
