Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Detroit Pistons (4-18) play against the Phoenix Suns (3-3) at Footprint Center

Game Time: 9:00 PM EST on Thursday December 2, 2021

Detroit Pistons 103, Phoenix Suns 114 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns Chris Paul and Cameron Payne after 18th consecutive win.
“When we dap up, we’re taggjng in.” pic.twitter.com/rUZXNhF6Zm – 11:56 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Jerami Grant: “I think we’re moving in the right direction. It’s taking time. We have a lot of young guys. It’s in a process. We were right there, just a couple mishaps in the fourth quarter.” – 11:50 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We’re not digging ditches.”
Monty Williams when asked about rest in terms of playing back-to-back as #Suns face #Warriors tomorrow night. – 11:49 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
All love between two point guards. ✨ pic.twitter.com/fJ0IK8WZA5 – 11:48 PM StatMuse @statmuse
The Suns have won 18 straight games, setting their franchise record.
They are 19-3 and remain in 1st place. pic.twitter.com/wo9qkWJUGF – 11:47 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Whenever Monty Williams says something is “really cool,” that means it’s a big deal.
So while he takes it game-by-game, Williams is very happy about #Suns winning a franchise record 18th consecutive game Thursday vs. #Pistons pic.twitter.com/83imSSVSEf – 11:44 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Respect 🤝 @Detroit Pistons pic.twitter.com/Iat2uSiBf1 – 11:43 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
3⃣ quick observations from tonight’s game against the Phoenix Suns📰
nba.com/pistons/news/p… – 11:42 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Casey said Hayes and Cunningham are learning how to play off of each other, and are benefitting from each other’s presence. “That’s something that Pistons fans should get used to for a long time to come.” – 11:41 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Casey on the bench unit: “I think some of it is missing Kelly … but, we’re pros, you have to be ready to go.” He also had great praise for Hamidou Diallo. Called him one of the best pick-and-roll defenders. “I think he’s playing some of his best basketball right now.” – 11:39 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Casey said Hayes and Cunningham can learn about the “game within the game” from Chris Paul. Noted that Paul got Cunningham to commit his third foul midway through the first quarter. “We couldn’t get him out quick enough before he got the third.” – 11:38 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Another 30+ point game for JG 💪
@BELFORGroup | @Jerami Grant pic.twitter.com/JU5SNAzar2 – 11:38 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
DominAYTON 😤
Tonight’s @FanDuel Stat Line of the Game pic.twitter.com/hMLckKka1r – 11:36 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“At some point, I got to address that.” Monty Williams on Mikal Bridges’ minutes as he’s played 41 in last two games. #Suns – 11:34 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Treat yourself to some Gorilla Bites after that win!
Download the Suns app to claim your 3 free Gorilla Bites and head to an @ATLWingsAZ in the next 24hrs!
📱 https://t.co/T8bUcCzb76 pic.twitter.com/a1JRVM8pnv – 11:33 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns win franchise record 18th consecutive game in topping #Pistons minus injured Devin Booker https://t.co/Kqi6VoLiQF via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/wqgz0VSgfJ – 11:33 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty said he liked the way that starting group looked with Landry Shamet filling in for group, but also noted it’s something they could change up on a night-to-night basis – 11:32 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Isaiah Stewart said he thinks the Pistons would’ve won if they didn’t fall behind by 18. “When we play like that, we can win games.” – 11:29 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Isaiah Stewart: “When we play like that, we can win games. I feel like if we didn’t dig ourselves in a whole, that’s a game we win.” – 11:29 PM JD Shaw @JShawNBA
By beating Detroit tonight, the Suns have now won 18 straight games. Next up on the schedule is a Friday night road game against the Warriors, where Phoenix likely won’t have Devin Booker (hamstring). – 11:24 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Coming home after our longest road trip this season.
🔹 @Jerami Grant: 34 PTS / 6 REB / 3 AST
🔹 @Cade Cunningham: 19 PTS / 2 REB / 5 AST
🔹 @Isaiah Stewart: 12 PTS / 15 REB / 6-7 FG pic.twitter.com/CvlWzM4PiK – 11:24 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
FRANCHISE HISTORY.
#ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/qK6xE3ozLB – 11:24 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
NEW MONTH. SAME MOMENTUM.
#ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/FLX23Z8wOK – 11:22 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Father, Suns and Holy GHOST this team is fun – 11:21 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Suns 114, Pistons 103. Phoenix gets franchise-record 18 straight wins.
Detroit put up a fight and made it a good game.
Jerami Grant: 34 points, 6 rebounds
Cade Cunningham: 19 points, 5 assists
Isaiah Stewart: 12 points and 14 rebounds
Killian Hayes: 10 points and 6 rebounds – 11:21 PM Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
The Phoenix Suns officially have their longest win streak in franchise history (18). – 11:21 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
FINAL: Suns 114, Pistons 103. Phoenix just set a franchise record with 18 consecutive wins, but strong effort by the Pistons to get within a point after falling behind 18 in the 3rd. Made them sweat.
Grant: 34 points
Cunningham: 19 points, 5 boards
Stewart: 12 points, 14 boards – 11:20 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 114 #Pistons 103 Final.
18 in a row.
Franchise record.
History made. – 11:20 PM Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
A new franchise record for the Phoenix Suns: they have now won 18 straight games. – 11:20 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: PHX 114, DET 103
Bridges: 18 Pts, 8-14 FG
Ayton: 17 Pts, 12 Reb, 7-11 FG
Paul: 12 Pts, 12 Ast
Payne: 19 Pts, 6 Reb, 8-14 FG
Cam Johnson: 19 Pts, 6 Reb, 7-11 FG
Suns win a franchise-record 18th straight game – 11:20 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
That’s a franchise record of 18 straight wins for the Suns. A Pistons run in the third quarter made it a game but once again the Suns dominated when the clock got under 5 minutes. Contributions everywhere without Booker. 17+ for Ayton, Bridges, Johnson and Payne – 11:20 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN!
SUNS WIN! pic.twitter.com/R4Y7tjjkR3 – 11:20 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Suns are about to win a franchise-record 18th straight game. The blessings are truly raining down here in Phoenix – 11:18 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
CAM JOHNSON.
That is all. That’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/JB6TJIo7Hd – 11:18 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
THAT’S ELEVEN 3’S!!!
Tomorrow, get a free Western Bacon Cheeseburger® at a Valley @CarlsJr with the purchase of a fountain drink! pic.twitter.com/qvg1yPqkjG – 11:17 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Landry Shamet has been crucified on here, but for the second game in a row, he hits a big 3 late in the 4th – 11:17 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Cade gets it stripped and it leads to a Suns 3. And just like that, Phoenix is up 10 with 1:57 left.
The big dawgs woke up. – 11:16 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Shamet 3. #Suns up 10 with 1:57 left. Timeout #Pistons. – 11:16 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
🚨 @Isaiah Stewart GRABBED HIS 10TH CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLE! 🚨 – 11:15 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Big make from Saddiq Bey there. Was 1-of-8 and just stepped into a 3 confidently. – 11:14 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
This is certainly a little too close for comfort for Monty Williams.
Calls timeout with 3:40 left. Up six as Grant got all the way to the rim.
#Suns 102, #Pistons 96.
Grant with a game-high 32 – 11:13 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
That was a nice dime from Killian to set Stewart up with a layup. Stewart has a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Suns 102, Pistons 96 with 3:40 to play. – 11:13 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Great patience and feed by Killian Hayes there, and nice composure by Stewart to catch in traffic and finish lefty.
Six-point Suns lead. Every Piston outside of Bey has double-figure scoring. – 11:12 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
JA3!!! pic.twitter.com/HZSaPk490w – 11:12 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Stewart keeps a possession alive twice with two rebounds and it leads to a Jerami Grant bucket. – 11:11 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
If the results holds, the Pistons will have gone winless on this five-game, 10-day road trip. However, they have saved their best performance for the best team on the last day.
This game is far from over, but regardless of result, a strong-willed showing by Detroit here. – 11:10 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
ALL THE HUSTLE!
Congrats on 4K, @JaVale McGee 👏 pic.twitter.com/t3Ja9loP8T – 11:08 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Suns 100, Pistons 92 with 5:29 to play. Jerami Grant has 30 points – 11:08 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Cade powered it up! 💪
@BallySportsDET | @Cade Cunningham pic.twitter.com/KJ3VmJEYUc – 11:08 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Eight-point Suns lead with 5:29 left. – 11:07 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
That in-air adjustment 😳 pic.twitter.com/OTB0GxaKjp – 11:06 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Smooth Shooting Shamet pic.twitter.com/sPD5q6Ps1g – 11:01 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Looked like Cade was about to check in before the timeout. Pistons are trailing the Suns 92-84 with 8:40 to play. Phoenix has been sloppy with the ball during the second half. – 10:59 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Cunningham is checking back in with the Pistons down by eight. – 10:57 PM Matt Dery @DerySpeaks
Somewhere Troy Weaver is smiling. #Pistons and Dwane Casey playing the Syracuse 2-3 zone. – 10:56 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Not the guy to leave open from three! pic.twitter.com/ji89Jc8w64 – 10:55 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Outscored them 30-18 that quarter to get within 6 heading into the final frame.
🔹 @Jerami Grant: 29 PTS / 4 REB / 2 AST
🔹 @Cade Cunningham: 17 PTS / 5 AST / 3-4 3PT
🔹 @Killian Hayes: 10 PTS / 6 REB / 2 AST pic.twitter.com/OuHfT94BGu – 10:54 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Landry gets the crowd on their feet! 👌 pic.twitter.com/5EkaF82Ldp – 10:53 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
The Detroit Pistons with a great third quarter???? Pistons cut an 18-point deficit to six going into the fourth.
Big quarters from Cunningham, Grant and Stewart on offense, Hayes on defense.
Grant is at 29 points; Cunningham 17; Hayes 10; Stewart 8 – 10:50 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
🚨 @Killian Hayes ➡️ @Hamidou Diallo 🚨
@BallySportsDET | #Pistons pic.twitter.com/ZjvOXAuNZM – 10:50 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
End of 3.
#ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/BHFCClctw6 – 10:50 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
End of 3: Suns 87, Pistons 81. Detroit went on a 17-0 run and outscored Phoenix 30-18 in the third to turn this back into a game after trailing by 18.
Grant: 29 points (8-14 overall, 2-3 from 3)
Cunningham: 17 points, 5 assists
Hayes: 10 points, 6 rebounds – 10:50 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 87, DET 81
Ayton: 15 Pts, 11 Reb, 6-10 FG
Payne: 17 Pts, 7-13 FG
Cam Johnson: 12 Pts, 6 Reb, 5-8 FG
Grant: 29 Pts, 8-14 FG
Pistons outscored Suns 30-18 in 3Q – 10:49 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
When Diallo hit that 3 that was later ruled was after the shot clock expired, #Pistons rookie Luka Graza was jumping up and down on the bench like it was a college game.
He checked in with 53.9 second left in the 3rd. #Suns up five with 17.8 seconds left in third. – 10:47 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
I believe they took away Diallo’s 3. Now a seven-point Suns lead. – 10:46 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Pistons are back down to 79 points. Looks like they took away Diallo’s 3 – 10:46 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Hamidou Diallo’s 3 earlier in the period was determined to come after the shot clock, so the Pistons just lost 3 points – 10:46 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Pistons are playing with the freedom of a team that knows at the very least they won’t be the team that lost by 73 points tonight – 10:43 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Diallo 3 tied game Then Shamet answered with 3.
#Suns up 3. – 10:43 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
20-2 Pistons run after the Hami 3. Pistons were down 18 at the 6:17 mark, but tied it at 82 – 10:43 PM Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Cade Cunningham is one impressive rookie. The kid just plays within himself, he clearly has a high basketball IQ, and he has leadership qualities. Kid is gonna be good for a while. #Pistons – 10:42 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Now a 17-0 Pistons run in three minutes and change. One-point ballgame. – 10:41 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Cade Cunningham 3.
#Suns only up one. #Pistons – 10:41 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Cade makes a layup. Killian assists a Grant 3. Cade makes a floater. Pistons trail the Suns 80-76 after trailing by 18 at halftime. It’s been a different game when Cade and Killian have been on the floor – 10:41 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Pistons got it down to four, 80-76, after trailing by as many as 18. #Suns – 10:41 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Pistons are on a 9-0 run, cutting the Suns’ lead down to single digits. Just feels like they’re not believing enough out there – 10:39 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
CP signature 🖊️ pic.twitter.com/WnmrcQWZvp – 10:37 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Cade Cunningham is shooting 52.6 percent from 3 over his last three games. Has made 10 of his last 19. – 10:37 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
7-0 run for the Pistons in a minute and Monty calls a timeout. Lead is still at 11 midway through the third. Same b2b mindset here I’ve mentioned a few times with needing to take advantage of opportunities to cut minutes a bit. – 10:36 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Suns haven’t been able to shake the Pistons, who are down 80-69 after consecutive transition buckets from Stewart (who almost took it coast-to-coast himself) and Diallo. They were down 18 at halftime – 10:36 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Isaiah Stewart just finished a half-coast-to-coast drive lol. He’s got 8 points and 9 rebounds. Diallo with a dunk shortly after. It’s an 11-point game just like that. – 10:35 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
The Pistons aren’t playing *that* bad. The one bench stint really hurt, but the best team in the league is shooting 57 percent from the field and 54 percent from 3.
Detroit’s bench, which leads the league in scoring, is being outscored by 25. It’s an 18-point game. – 10:34 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Enter Chris Paul’s quizzical look after that foul on Jerami Grant in the “Made Gerald literally laugh out loud” Hall of Fame.
My man was standing there, still rooted at the spot in disbelief, 15 seconds into the Suns’ timeout – 10:30 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Chris Paul after that foul call on him stood still in the same spot for about 20 seconds with his hands on his hips. Amazing. – 10:30 PM Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
In wake of depleted roster, the Denver Nuggets plan to sign forward Davon Reed of G League affiliate Grand Rapids Gold via hardship exception, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Reed was a 2017 second-round pick and played two NBA seasons with the Suns and Pacers. – 10:28 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Beef Stew with another jumper. Ayton didn’t respect it. – 10:24 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Josh Jackson went over to dap up the legend Larry Fitzgerald, who is sitting courtside. – 10:21 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns are about 7-8 good minutes away from closing this one out early, but before we get underway with the 2nd half do you have a few minutes to talk about our Lord and savior Jesus Christ? – 10:20 PM Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
GAME THEORY PODCAST: @Anthony Slater joins. We break down Michael Porter Jr.’s back surgery; Lopez/Adebayo injuries; We dive deep into Warriors and Suns; Then, Slater makes me give a fearless Timberwolves prediction
Get it on YouTube before anywhere else
https://t.co/wViIYUkCrC pic.twitter.com/dF5szGpgwm – 10:20 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Backcourt with the 1-2 punch 🥊
@BallySportsDET | #Pistons pic.twitter.com/d9NCtJLUSv – 10:19 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
MIKAL TAKING FLIGHT 🛫 pic.twitter.com/cIMEywx1Kx – 10:13 PM Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Half.
🔹 @Jerami Grant: 17 PTS / 2 AST / 2 REB
🔹 @Killian Hayes: 10 PTS / 3 REB / 4-5 FG
🔹 @Frank Jackson, @SaddiqBey, & @Cade Cunningham with 5 PTS each pic.twitter.com/G22WTQQlJj – 10:08 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
Up at the break!
#ValleyProud pic.twitter.com/27c8YV9EPC – 10:08 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Deandre Ayton is averaging 2.5 free throw attempts for his career.
He’s averaging a career-low 1.9 going into #Pistons game.
How many does he have in the 1st half tonight?
Five.
3-of-5 as #Suns lead 69-51.
Cameron Payne has a team-high 15 points.
Ayton 13. Cam Johnson 12. – 10:07 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
HALFTIME: Suns 69, Pistons 51. Pistons got within 11 with 1:41 to play, but Phoenix closed the half with a 10-3 run.
Grant: 17 points
Hayes: 10 points
Stewart: 4 points, 6 rebounds
Payne has 15 points for Phoenix, and Ayton has 13 and 9 rebounds – 10:06 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
HALFTIME: Suns 69, Pistons 51. The hottest/best team in basketball is shooting 54.5 percent from 3.
Grant: 17 points
Hayes: 10 points
Cunningham: 5 points and 4 assists – 10:06 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: PHX 69, DET 51
Payne: 15 Pts, 7-11 FG
Ayton: 13 Pts, 9 Reb, 5-7 FG
Cam Johnson: 12 Pts, 6 Reb, 5-6 FG
Grant: 17 Pts, 5-10 FG – 10:06 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns bench had 35 points in the first half and all of it came from 3 players. Cam Payne with a game-high 15 followed by a dozen for Cam Johnson and eight from JaVale McGee.
Suns with a nice lead, up 18. – 10:05 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns have led by as many as 18. Up 14 after Johnson 3.
Johnson and Cameron Payne each have 12 off the bench – 10:03 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
CP3 👉 DA pic.twitter.com/o3vgu8nhdk – 10:01 PM James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Killian Hayes is in a rhythm right now. He follows a 3-ball with a floater. He’s 4-of-5 with 10 points. – 10:00 PM Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Casey whistles timeout after the Pistons fall behind by 16. Detroit only has three turnovers so far. The difference is just shot-making. Phoenix is 19-35 overall and 4-9 from 3. Pistons are 12-36 and 4-13, respectively – 9:56 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
CAM JAM! pic.twitter.com/27apQ3MmON – 9:56 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Pistons are having a horrendous time keeping Cam Payne from getting into the paint. He’s already up to 12 points on 6-9 FG in the first half – 9:55 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns
This is @Cameron Payne‘s world. We’re just all living in it. 🌎 pic.twitter.com/IHNl3S2ABm – 9:50 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Terrific Suns video package during the timeout of players guessing the baby picture of the player. Cam Payne saw Cam Johnson’s, pointed at the picture and said, “Forehead. Cam Johnson.” Boom roasted. – 9:49 PM