Jerami Grant had 31 points, 10 rebounds and a crucial assist near the end of regulation, and the Detroit Pistons beat the Phoenix Suns 110-105 in overtime after rallying from a 23-point deficit Friday night.
Detroit scored the first nine points of the extra session after barely leading at all during regulation. Grant had only two assists on the night, but one of them was to Mason Plumlee for a dunk that tied it at 93 with 9.6 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Then Devin Booker missed a jumper that could have won it for the Suns.
Booker scored 23 points for Phoenix, including a 3-pointer with 40.7 seconds left in overtime that brought the Suns within three. Grant answered with a 3-pointer in front of the Detroit bench to double the lead.
Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin (23) attempts a layup as Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)
Phoenix entered the game with the best record in the Western Conference. Detroit came in with the worst mark in the NBA, but the Pistons have competed this season. They haven't lost a game by more than 15 points.
It looked like this might be an exception. Langston Galloway scored 17 points in the first half for the Suns against his former team, and Phoenix led 54-31 in the second quarter. Detroit fought back gamely, going on a 17-2 run to end the half and eventually tying it at 70 in the third quarter.
TIP-INS
Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15), forward Cameron Johnson (23) and others celebrate after a three-point basket by a teammate during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)
Suns: F-C Jalen Smith was out due to health and safety protocols. ... After making 21 3-pointers in a win over Toronto on Wednesday, the Suns made 17 on Friday, but they needed 52 attempts. They also shot just 6 of 13 on free throws.
Pistons: Detroit was 25 of 29 on free throws, and that was important because the Pistons shot 41% from the field. ... Detroit has won eight in a row against the Suns.
UP NEXT
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, right, passes as Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoCarlos Osorio)
Suns: Visit Indiana on Saturday night. Phoenix hasn't won on the road in that series since 2016.
Pistons: Host Utah on Sunday. Detroit has dropped eight in a row against the Jazz.
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