Detroit PistonsOpen full analysis
Utah JazzOpen full analysis
The Utah Jazz edged the Detroit Pistons 131–129 on December 26 at Delta Center in a tightly contested matchup that finished just under the Vegas total of 245.5 points. Kai George led Utah with 31 points, while Lauri Markkanen added 30 to power the Jazz past Cade Cunningham's 29-point effort for Detroit. Both teams shot efficiently from three, combining for 36 made threes, though the Pistons' superior overall field-goal percentage (52.2% to 48.9%) kept them competitive throughout. Utah's third quarter proved decisive, outscoring Detroit 44–35 to build separation, though the Pistons mounted a late rally in the fourth. The Jazz controlled the glass with 42 rebounds against Detroit's 41 and distributed the ball effectively with 35 assists to the Pistons' 38. Utah's defense held firm down the stretch despite Detroit's offensive rating of 118.2, while the Jazz's balanced attack and 18 three-pointers offset a 17-turnover night. The result keeps Utah in playoff contention while Detroit faces pressure to string together wins.
