DETROIT (Interstat) — The Detroit Pistons withstood a late surge to defeat the Phoenix Suns 108-105 on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena. Phoenix guard Grayson Allen hit a 27-foot 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds remaining to tie the game, but Detroit’s Duncan Robinson made a free throw with 2 seconds left for the final margin. The Pistons improved to 29-10, while the Suns fell to 24-17. Detroit used a strong second and third quarter, outscoring Phoenix 66-58 in that span, to build a cushion. The Suns, led by Allen’s scoring burst, mounted a fourth-quarter comeback but came up just short in front of an announced crowd of 19,199.

DETROIT (Interstat) — The Detroit Pistons, leaders of the Eastern Conference, faced a familiar adversary Thursday night: their own sluggish starts and a persistent Phoenix Suns team that refused to fade quietly. In a game defined by dramatic momentum shifts and a frantic final minute, the Pistons rallied from a 16-point first-half deficit to secure a 108-105 victory before a sellout crowd of 19,199 at Little Caesars Arena. The Suns, fueled by a blistering offensive display from guard Grayson Allen, seized control early. Allen scored 19 of his game-high 33 points in the first quarter, connecting on five 3-pointers as Phoenix built a 32-23 lead. The onslaught continued in the second period, with the Suns extending their advantage to 16 points. Phoenix’s ball movement was crisp, and their shooting was scorching, leading by a seemingly comfortable 63-56 margin at halftime. Detroit’s response after the break was methodical and anchored by the interior dominance of center Jalen Duren. The third quarter became a showcase for the 6-foot-10 standout, who scored 10 points and controlled the glass, helping the Pistons chip away at the lead. While Phoenix’s Allen remained a threat, Detroit’s defense began to tighten, and the Suns’ offensive rhythm stalled. A 33-point third quarter for Detroit, matching their second-quarter output, brought them within two points heading into the final frame. The fourth quarter evolved into a tense, defensive struggle. With just over seven minutes remaining, veteran forward Tobias Harris, who finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, hit a crucial 13-foot fadeaway jumper over Dillon Brooks to give Detroit its first lead since the opening minutes at 98-96. From that point, the Pistons never trailed again, though the Suns never relented. Phoenix had multiple opportunities in the closing seconds to tie or take the lead. After Duncan Robinson split a pair of free throws with 13.2 seconds left to give Detroit a 107-105 edge, the Suns called a timeout to set up a final play. The inbounds pass found Allen, whose heavily contested 26-foot 3-point attempt as time expired caromed off the rim, sealing the Pistons’ comeback. Duren was the cornerstone of the victory, posting a monstrous double-double with 16 points and 18 rebounds in just 22 minutes, impacting the game on both ends with his energy and physicality. Robinson contributed 19 points, including a key three-pointer during the third-quarter surge, while Jaden Ivey provided a vital spark off the bench with 15 points. For Phoenix, Allen’s 33-point explosion was complemented by 18 points and six assists from Collin Gillespie. Jordan Goodwin hauled in 12 rebounds, and Royce O’Neale dished out seven assists, but the Suns’ offense managed only 15 points in the decisive fourth quarter, ultimately dooming their effort. The Pistons improved to 29-10 with the win, their fourth in five games, demonstrating the resilience that has characterized their season. Despite an off-night from star guard Cade Cunningham, who struggled with his shot, Detroit found production elsewhere and made critical stops when needed. The Suns fell to 24-17, dropping their second consecutive game on the road. The most pivotal sequence of the game unfolded in the final three minutes. With Detroit clinging to a 104-102 lead, Oso Ighodaro stole the ball from Jaden Ivey, leading to a Grayson Allen layup that tied the game. On the ensuing possession, Harris found Cunningham for a short jumper to regain the lead. After a defensive stop, Cunningham was fouled but missed both free throws, giving Phoenix life with 1:52 remaining. Allen then tied the game again at 105-105 with a floating jumper. The final drama was set when Ausar Thompson drew a foul and made one of two free throws, followed by Robinson’s split pair, setting the stage for Allen’s last-second miss. This stretch encapsulated the game’s tension, with neither team able to secure separation until the final buzzer. Detroit now prepares to host the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, while Phoenix continues its road trip against the New York Knicks. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch in Phoenix on Jan. 29.

Preview: Surging Suns Visit First-Place Pistons in Detroit DETROIT (Interstat) — The Detroit Pistons, owners of the NBA’s best record, will look to rebound from a rare home loss when they host the surging Phoenix Suns on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons (28-10) have been a powerhouse this season but are coming off a 98-92 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Detroit’s interior defense, anchored by forward Tolu Smith, remains a strength. Smith is coming off a dominant performance in that loss, grabbing 14 rebounds and blocking four shots. He will be a key figure against a Phoenix team that has won seven of its last nine games. The Suns (24-15) are riding a three-game winning streak, most recently a 112-93 victory over Washington on Sunday. A player to watch for Phoenix is forward Royce O’Neale, who has provided consistent, versatile production. He is averaging 12.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists over his last 10 games, including a 19-point, 7-rebound effort against the Wizards. His two-way play will be critical against a deep Pistons lineup. While Detroit holds the superior record, Phoenix has found a rhythm. The Suns’ recent success has been marked by balanced scoring and improved defense, holding three of their last four opponents under 100 points. The Pistons have been formidable at home, with the Saturday loss to the Clippers being a notable exception in an otherwise strong campaign at Little Caesars Arena. How they respond will test their championship mettle. This matchup is the first of a two-game season series, with the teams set to meet again in Phoenix on Jan. 29. Up Next: Suns: Visit the New York Knicks on Saturday. Pistons: Host the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.