NBA: Hardaway clutch as Detroit edges Portland

Detroit Pistons’ Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) drives past the defense of Portland Trail Blazers' Kris Murray (24). LON HORWEDEL/IMAGN IMAGES
Detroit Pistons’ Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) drives past the defense of Portland Trail Blazers' Kris Murray (24). LON HORWEDEL/IMAGN IMAGES

TIM HARDAWAY Jr. stepped up in the endgame as Detroit Pistons pulled off an 118-115 victory over Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024-25 NBA Season on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Down 98-100 with over five minutes left, Hardaway converted 11 straight points, including three outside conversions, as the Pistons surged to a 109-106 lead.

The Trail Blazers kept the match close at 110-111, but Malik Beasley responded with a three-pointer before he knocked down two free throws and sealed the win with a crucial steal on Portland’s Anfernee Simons in the final seconds.

Hardaway finished with 26 points, including six three-point conversions, in almost 32 minutes of action as the Pistons notched their fourth consecutive win to improve to an 18-18 record.

Cade Cunningham led the way with 32 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, while Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren, and Simone Fontecchio contributed 17, 14, and 10 points, respectively, for the Pistons.

Filipino-American forward Ron Harper Jr., who signed a two-way contract with the Pistons on Sunday (Monday in the Philippines), has yet to make his Detroit debut.

Simons top-scored for the Trail Blazers with 36 points, Shaedon Sharpe added 20 markers, while DeAndre Ayton, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Kris Murray had 18, 14, 12, and 11, respectively, as they dropped to a 12-23 record.

Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards delivered timely baskets in the endgame as Minnesota Timberwolves (18-17) took down Los Angeles Clippers (20-16), 108-106.

Edwards top-scored for the Timberwolves with 37 points, including two three-pointers with over a minute left, to go with eight assists, seven rebounds, and a steal.

Naz Reid added 18 markers, Donte DiVincenzo contributed 15 points, including three outside baskets, while Jaden McDaniels ended with 11 markers./PN

BOX SCORE:

DETROIT 118 – Cunningham 32, Hardaway 26, Harris 17, Duren 14, Fontecchio 10, Holland 8, Beasley 5, Sasser 4, Stewart 2, Reed 0, Moore 0.

PORTLAND 115 – Simons 36, Sharpe 20, Ayton 18, Avdija 14, Camara 12, Murray 11, Clingan 4, Henderson 0.

Quarterscores: 23-28, 51-60, 88-90, 118-115.

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