Key Takeaways:
- Tobias Harris scored 25 points as Detroit edged Boston 104-103
- Jaylen Brown missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer, finishing with 32 points
- Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown were both named All-Star starters for the first time earlier on Monday
Match Analysis
In a thrilling contest on Monday evening, the Detroit Pistons managed to hold off the Boston Celtics for a 104-103 victory at home. After a dramatic fourth quarter featuring multiple lead changes, the outcome remained undecided until the closing seconds, with Jaylen Brown missing a potential game-winning jumper as time expired.
YKTPWA 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/sXryhcboR4
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 20, 2026
Key Player Performances
Tobias Harris spearheaded Detroit’s offence by contributing 25 points. Jalen Duren followed up with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Cade Cunningham notched an impressive double-double consisting of 16 points and 14 assists. Duncan Robinson chipped in with 15 points, bolstering the Central Division leaders, who improved to a 31-10 record.
On the Celtics’ side, Jaylen Brown poured in 32 points on 11-of-28 shooting for Boston, who remain atop the Atlantic Division with a record of 26-16. Payton Pritchard delivered 17 points, Sam Hauser managed 16, and Luka Garza, despite recording four fouls in only three minutes, contributed 10 points.
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Most Assists | Most Rebounds | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pistons | Tobias Harris | 25 | Cade Cunningham 14 | Jalen Duren 9 | 31-10 |
| Celtics | Jaylen Brown | 32 | Derrick White 5 | Jaylen Brown 11 | 26-16 |
Fourth Quarter Drama
Detroit entered the fourth quarter with a narrow 84-82 advantage after a hard-fought game marked by 11 ties and five lead changes. Duncan Robinson’s fifth three-pointer extended the Pistons’ margin midway through the concluding period. Brown responded with a go-ahead basket with 3:20 to play, but Harris quickly countered with a three-pointer, restoring Detroit’s lead at 99-97.
Brown missed two critical free throws with 1:58 remaining and the Celtics trailing by two, but managed to narrow the gap with a runner in the final 45 seconds. With 4.4 seconds left, Boston regained possession after Cade Cunningham missed a jump shot. However, Brown’s final effort from the right wing missed the target, ensuring Detroit’s victory on their home floor.
All-Star Recognition
On the same day, both Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown were named All-Star starters for the first time. Cunningham led in votes among players, while Brown garnered the most votes from media members.
Looking Ahead
- Boston will host Indiana on Wednesday
- Detroit travel to New Orleans for their next fixture on Wednesday
