Twice in the final 3.5 seconds, the Denver Nuggets had a chance to force overtime, but Jamal Murray missed three crucial free throws that allowed the Detroit Pistons to escape with a cardiac road win.
Cade Cunningham submitted a 22-point, 11-assist double-double as the East no. 1 Detroit Pistons survived the Denver Nuggets, 109-107, in a wild finish on Wednesday, January 28 (PH time).
The Nuggets had a chance to tie late in the game as Jamal Murray was fouled attempting a three-pointer with 3.5 seconds left while trailing 104-107.
He missed the first attempt but converted the next two, only for Tobias Harris to sink two clutch free throws to extend Detroit’s lead to 109-106.
A final chaotic sequence ensued as Murray was fouled again beyond the arc with just 0.7 seconds remaining after Jaden Ivey’s foul.
The Canadian made the first free throw but missed the second, and his last shot rimmed out as Detroit secured the rebound and preserved the hard-fought victory.
Harris contributed 22 points, while Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson added 24 points each to fuel the Pistons’ triumph.
Detroit improved to 34-11 and will look to extend their streak to four straight wins on the road against the Phoenix Suns (27-19).
For Denver, Murray finished with 24 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds, while Jonas Valanciunas recorded a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds.
Bruce Brown added 16 points in the continuing absence of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic (knee) as the Nuggets aim to rebound in their next matchup against the Brooklyn Nets (12-32).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.