Pistons Rally From 19-Point Deficit to Beat Suns in Preseason Opener.
DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons overcame a difficult first half and a 19-point deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 109-107 Monday night at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit entered its first preseason game of the 2026-27 campaign focused on establishing the defensive effort, physicality and discipline head coach J.B. Bickerstaff expects from his team. Those qualities were difficult to find early as Phoenix controlled much of the opening half. The Suns took advantage of Detroit on the glass and repeatedly created additional scoring opportunities. Phoenix held a 27-18 rebounding advantage in the first half and scored 14 second-chance points. The Suns also received 22 points from their bench before halftime. Those struggles helped Phoenix build a 68-50 advantage at the break.Detroit also had a physical moment early in the game involving John Collins and Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks. The two exchanged shoves following an offensive rebound in the first quarter, and Collins grabbed Brooks around the neck area during the confrontation. Collins was assessed a flagrant 1 foul, while Brooks received a technical foul. Despite the difficult start, Detroit changed the direction of the game after halftime. With the Pistons resting their primary players during the second half, the team's reserves delivered a much stronger performance. Detroit closed the third quarter on a 24-5 run and outscored Phoenix 34-16 in the period, erasing the halftime deficit and tying the game at 84 entering the fourth. Rookie guard Ebuka Okorie then provided the deciding play. Okorie entered the game with 10:05 remaining in the fourth quarter and showed composure in his limited minutes. With the game tied in the closing seconds, the 19-year-old converted the go-ahead layup that gave Detroit the 109-107 victory. He finished with seven points while making three of his four field-goal attempts.
Ron Holland II led Detroit with 14 points while adding four rebounds, five steals and two blocks. Collins, Paul Reed and Ausar Thompson each contributed 10 points.
Cade Cunningham played only in the first half and finished with 10 points in 16 minutes. He shot 3-of-8 from the field and 2-of-4 from 3-point range while adding two rebounds and one assist. All-Star center Jalen Duren did not play. Detroit is gradually working him back after he missed the opening week of training camp. The Pistons have not established when he will make his preseason debut, with the priority being to have him prepared for the regular-season opener against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 20. For Detroit, the preseason opener featured two dramatically different halves. The Pistons struggled with rebounding and defensive execution early before their second-half group responded with greater energy and defensive pressure. The result was a 19-point comeback and Detroit's first victory of the preseason.
