The Detroit Pistons charged back from a double-digit hole to stun the Philadelphia 76ers 114-105 on Friday night at Little Caesars Arena, led by Javonte Green’s 21-point explosion. The Pistons extended their winning streak to nine games and proved they can win even when shorthanded.
Detroit entered the contest without key contributors like Cade Cunningham (hip), Tobias Harris (ankle), and Jalen Duren (ankle), yet the team refused to let the moment slip. According to ESPN, Green scored 21 points and collected nine rebounds in the win.
Also chipping in for Detroit were Daniss Jenkins with 19 points and eight assists and Duncan Robinson, adding 15 points. Bench pieces like Caris LeVert and Isaiah Stewart each gave 14 points, showing depth despite the injury list.
The 76ers leaned heavily on Tyrese Maxey, who poured in 31 points, but Philadelphia was undermanned themselves—Joel Embiid sat because of knee soreness.
After trailing by as many as 12 in the third quarter, Detroit launched a 17-7 blitz to close out that quarter, capped off by Jenkins burying a 52-foot buzzer-beater to retake momentum. Then in the fourth, LeVert’s quick twin threes and Green’s clutch free throws sealed the comeback. The Pistons also racked up 30+ assists and forced 15 turnovers, underscoring their grit.
Down the stretch, defense and composure were crucial: Detroit held Philadelphia to 15 points in the fourth quarter and reversed the outcome after a 14-0 run early in the third. The comeback narrative added another chapter to what might be the franchise’s best start in years.
Social fans exploded online:
“Pistons making noise—this feels historic.”
“Green coming in clutch while the big names rest. Respect.”
Meanwhile, in the post-game interview, coach J.B. Bickerstaff credited the locker-room energy and said the team’s “next-man-up” mentality is real. According to DetroitBadBoys.com, that chemistry is brewing into something special.
Philadelphia followers were stunned: one Reddit comment read,
“I turned on the game thinking it was the Embiid-Maxey show.” Instead, Detroit rolled in like they owned it.”
The Pistons will look to build on this surge when they host the Indiana Pacers Monday night, eyeing 10 straight wins and deeper momentum in the NBA Cup group stage.
On the Sixers side, they turn their focus to hosting the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday—and questions are mounting about depth and readiness while Embiid recovers.
