Bojan Bogdanovic scored 34 points as the Detroit Pistons overcame the Charlotte Hornets 113-106 during Wednesday’s NBA action. A crucial dunk by Jalen Duren in the final minute was part of a decisive 10-2 Pistons surge.
Bogdanovic’s key 3-pointer with less than two minutes left was a game-changer. Duren contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, while Alec Burks added 15 points. This victory ended Detroit’s three-game losing streak and marked their third win in the last 41 games.
Pistons coach Monty Williams emphasized the team’s focus on competition, composure, and execution, celebrating their ability to finish strong in this game.
“Yesterday, we talked about competing, poise and execution,” Williams said. “We had done those three things, but we hadn’t closed. Tonight, we closed.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Bojan Bogdanovic, Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets Updates
For the Hornets, Brandon Miller scored 23 points, and Nick Richards contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds. Hornets coach Steve Clifford pointed out a drop in ball movement in the fourth quarter, which he saw as crucial to their performance.
“We stopped moving the ball in the fourth quarter,” Clifford said. “We had done a good job with ball movement in the first three quarters, and that’s what we have to do to win. We play pick-and-roll and move the ball.”
LaMelo Ball, in his sixth game back from an ankle injury, struggled with 17 points on 6-for-21 shooting. Clifford acknowledged Ball’s need for time to regain his form after the layoff.
“He had a lot of open shots, but he is still finding his rhythm,” Clifford said. “He missed a lot of time, and you can’t expect to come back and play great right away. There are going to be nights like this.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Bojan Bogdanovic, Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Hornets’ lineup was freshly adjusted following the trade of Terry Rozier to Miami for Kyle Lowry and a draft pick. Rozier had been a key scorer and playmaker for the team.
Richards’ dunks briefly put Charlotte ahead in the final minutes, but Bogdanovic’s 3-pointer and a tip-in by Duren swung the lead back to Detroit. Duren’s dunk in the last 37 seconds further secured the Pistons’ win.
In his season debut for Detroit following a quadriceps injury, Monte Morris contributed significantly, especially with a 10-0 run in the third quarter. Despite his recent return, Morris expressed his eagerness to improve.
“Last night, it was hard for me to even sleep wondering if I was even going to get a bucket,” Morris said. “This is just me getting my feet wet. I can get better.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Bojan Bogdanovic, Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets Updates
P.J. Washington’s 3-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer initially put the Hornets ahead, but Detroit rallied in the fourth quarter, initially led by a slump in Charlotte’s shooting.
The Hornets look forward to hosting the Houston Rockets on Friday, while the Pistons will welcome the Washington Wizards on Saturday.
