Detroit erases an 18-point halftime deficit
Ebuka Okorie delivered the late go-ahead basket as the Detroit Pistons rallied past the Phoenix Suns 109–107 at Little Caesars Arena on October 5 US time, October 6 in the Philippines.
Phoenix controlled the first half, winning the opening quarter 35–21 and reaching halftime ahead 68–50. Detroit reversed the direction of the preseason game in the third quarter, outscoring the Suns 34–16 to draw level at 84–84.
The Pistons then won the final period 25–23. Okorie finished with seven points on three-of-four shooting in 10 minutes and five seconds, including a three-pointer and the decisive late drive described in Detroit Bad Boys’ game report.
Ron Holland led Detroit with 14 points and five steals. Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, John Collins and Paul Reed each scored 10. The Pistons recorded 21 steals overall, repeatedly disrupting Phoenix possessions even though the Suns finished with the higher field-goal percentage.
The free-throw totals also mattered. Detroit made 26 of 41 attempts, while Phoenix converted 17 of 33. That nine-point advantage helped the Pistons win despite making three fewer field goals and one fewer three-pointer than the visitors.
Devin Booker led Phoenix with 13 points. Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green each added 11 as the Suns’ early lead gave way to a second half that Detroit won 59–39. The comeback decided an exhibition game, with both teams sharing minutes well beyond their starting groups.