DETROIT (AP) — Kevin Durant led the Houston Rockets with 32 points to snap the Detroit Pistons’ four-game winning streak, securing a 111-104 victory on Friday night. Durant, who holds a career average of 30.6 points over 32 games against Detroit—his best mark versus any team—also contributed seven rebounds and three assists in 40 minutes of play without any turnovers.
Alperen Sengun chipped in 19 points, while Reid Shepard added 18 points for the Rockets, who have now won four of their last five games. Armen Thompson nearly recorded a triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, helping Houston overcome a recent five-game road losing streak.
Jaylen Duren led Detroit with 18 points and seven rebounds, but the Pistons’ other four starters combined for just 37 points on 13-for-35 shooting (37.1 percent). Houston dominated the third quarter, outscoring Detroit 34-20 and turning a tie into an 86-72 advantage. Durant and Shepard were particularly efficient in this period, scoring 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting.
Early in the fourth quarter, Detroit narrowed the lead to 87-80, but a crucial flagrant foul call against Jae’Sean Tate for undercutting Ron Holland II gave the Pistons free throws and momentum. Holland sank both shots, and Duren followed up with a dunk off a Cade Cunningham assist. Isaiah Stewart’s three-point play brought Detroit within 87-83, but the Pistons couldn’t close the gap.
Josh Okogie’s three-pointer put Houston ahead 101-93 with just over five minutes left, and Shepard extended the lead to double digits with a layup in the final two minutes. Durant scored 18 points in the first half, but Detroit countered with strong paint scoring to lead 36-24 before the teams were tied 52-52 at halftime.
Houston’s defense tightened up in the third quarter, limiting Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson to only two shot attempts in the first eight minutes of play. During this stretch, the Rockets shot 68.4 percent (13-for-19) while holding Detroit to 36.4 percent (8-for-22).
Up next, Houston will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, while Detroit will welcome the Sacramento Kings on Sunday afternoon.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
Fan Take:
This game highlights Kevin Durant’s continued dominance and ability to elevate his team, even against rising squads like Detroit. For basketball fans, it’s a reminder that star power combined with strategic defense can shift momentum and is key to winning in a league that’s becoming increasingly competitive.
