NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Following 12 lead changes, the Detroit Pistons took control in the fourth quarter to secure a 136-130 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Little Caesars Arena.
In place of the injured Cade Cunningham, Dennis Schroder, the German point guard, made his first start with the Pistons and contributed 16 points on 4-of-12 shooting in 34 minutes of action. Moreover, he recorded five assists, two steals, and one rebound during his performance.
Simone Fontecchio, the Italian forward, came off the bench in the opening game of the NBA Sundays schedule, finishing with eight points, two rebounds, and one assist in 18 minutes of play.
Swedish talent Bobi Klintman, another European player under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, remained with the Motor City Cruise on a G League assignment.
Currently positioned sixth in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons improved their record to 40-32 in the 2024-25 regular season, holding a six-game advantage in their pursuit of a direct entry into the 2025 Playoffs presented by Google.
For the visiting team, Croatian center Karlo Matkovic started but was fouled out after just 16 minutes, managing to score eight points and grab 11 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers ended a four-game skid with a commanding 120-91 win against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. This victory raised their record to an impressive 57-14, creating a 5.5-game lead over the second-place Boston Celtics in the East.
Despite Lauri Markkanen from Finland being sidelined due to illness, Ukrainian Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk remained on the bench for the hosts. The Pelicans, alongside the Jazz, have officially been eliminated from playoff contention as they sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Stay updated with the latest news.
