The Detroit Pistons took on the Philadelphia 76ers on Primetime ESPN without their all-star guard Cade Cunningham. In the end they would win in resounding fashion by a score of 125 to 112.

Philadelphia appeared disengaged for the much of the first half, and Detroit took advantage of that getting off to a red hot start. The Pistons shot 48% from the 3, for a total of 78 points to only 49 for Philly. Detroit played with good pace, balancing the ball handling duties between several individuals. Most notably young wing Ausar Thompson who went into the half on triple double alert, with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assist, and 1 steal.

The 76ers put up a valiant effort in the 3rd quarter led by Joel Embiid, but in the end they were unable to contain the onslaught of transitional buckets and paint pressure. Malik Beasley finished the game with a career night of 36 points. Converting on 13 of 23 three point attempts. Tobias Harris would contribute 22 points and 9 rebounds of his own, in an inspired performance against his former squad. Tobias is now 2-1 against Philly, since departing to Detroit this summer.

CAREER NIGHT. 🙌

Malik Beasley goes off for a career-high 36 points, including 9 triples, in the @DetroitPistons home W! pic.twitter.com/ysJcUDtsff

— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2025

President of Basketball Operations for the Pistons Trajan Langdon went public today stating that Malik Beasley came to him, and vehemently expressed to him that he did not wish to be traded ahead of the trade deadline. He immediately made good on his request and put together one of the best scoring efforts in his entire career. The supporting cast rallied in a cause on National Tv without their star, despite facing a elite team of NBA players. The Pistons return to .500 at 26-26, after suffering demoralizing  losses in row. Both games concluded on buzzer beater shots by the hands of Trae Young and Darius Garland. Detroit returns to action on Sunday vs. The Charlotte Hornets at 1 Pm, before heading on the road for two back to back games against Chicago in the United Center before the All-Star Break.