Detroit PistonsOpen full analysis
Oklahoma City ThunderOpen full analysis
Oklahoma City defeated Detroit 114–110 on March 30 at Paycom Center in a defensive battle that fell short of the 217.5-point Vegas total. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carried the Thunder with 47 points, while Amari Mitchell added 14 in support. Oklahoma City shot 46.9 percent from the field and made 10 three-pointers, leaning on a strong defensive rating of 101.7 to contain the Pistons' offensive efforts. Detroit's Paul Reed led the way with 21 points and Jalen Green contributed 19, but the Pistons' 16 three-pointers and 30 assists couldn't overcome their 42.3 field-goal percentage and 17 turnovers. The Thunder controlled the opening quarter with 31 points and weathered Detroit's third-quarter surge of 31 points to edge ahead down the stretch. Oklahoma City's turnover management and defensive intensity in the fourth quarter—holding Detroit to 27 points—proved decisive in the low-scoring final frame. The win strengthens Oklahoma City's playoff positioning as the season enters its final stretch.
