Cunningham scores 52 as Pistons beat Wizards in double overtime

Cade Cunningham scored 52 points, including the go-ahead jumper with 25.3 seconds left in the second overtime, as the Detroit Pistons beat the Washington Wizards 144-140 on Thursday, November 12.

Cunningham made 16 of 25 shots and 17 of 18 free throws, with 11 assists and no turnovers. He played all 48 minutes.

With the score tied, he hit a 12-foot jumper with 25.3 seconds left in the second overtime. Trae Young answered with two free throws, and Kevin Huerter made two of his own with 11.4 seconds left to put Detroit ahead for good.

Detroit (8-3), favored before tip-off, needed two extra periods in a game with 26 lead changes and 20 ties. Washington (4-9) led by 10 in the first quarter until a 10-0 Detroit run cut the deficit to 34-32.

The Pistons scored 11 straight early in the third quarter to go up 75-66, their largest lead of the night. Washington then scored 10 in a row across the end of regulation and into the first overtime and led 130-121 with 3:20 left in that period. Detroit closed the gap and forced a second overtime.

Alexandre Sarr, who came in averaging 9.5 points, scored 30 for Washington on 12-of-14 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds. Anthony Davis added 30 points and 15 rebounds. Young finished with 37 points and 14 assists and made all 17 of his free throws, but hit only 8 of 23 shots.

Detroit made 33 of 39 free throws to Washington's 26 of 29 and committed 11 turnovers to the Wizards' 16. Both teams shot almost the same from the field.

Ausar Thompson had a triple-double for Detroit with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, plus three steals and three blocks.

Up next

Pistons: at the Miami Heat on Saturday, November 14.

Wizards: home against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, November 15.