Jamal Murray is in the final seconds against the Pistons

Traveling to Denver, the Pistons won 109-107 Nuggets always diminished but fighting. In a match that was controlled for a long time and completely uncontrollable in the last minutes, Detroit was able to show composure, unlike Jamal Murray.

From the start of the meeting, the Pistons imposed their rhythm. Led by Tobias Harris and Cade Cunningham, they quickly gained the upper hand over a visibly physically tested Denver team, stuck in Memphis a few days earlier due to a winter storm. The deficit grew to 18 points in the second quarter, while the Nuggets, deprived of Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon in particular, struggled to contain the visitors’ attacks.

Despite this handicap, Denver does not break. Jamal Murray multiplies the initiatives and keeps his team afloat, while Jonas Valanciunas, the guard, imposes his presence in the racket. At the start of the fourth quarter, Detroit still held a comfortable 10-point lead (82-72), but the momentum began to shift.

Gradually, the Nuggets tighten up the defense and take advantage of every approximation of the Pistons. The series brings Denver back into the match, and with less than a minute to go, a 3-point shot by Tim Hardaway Jr. reduces the deficit to just one (103-102), in an atmosphere worthy of the playoffs.

Detroit then responds with the most unexpected action of the night. Having great difficulty shooting until then, Duncan Robinson cuts behind the defense on a perfectly designed layup and finishes with a dunk, his first points of the match, to give the Pistons a three-step lead (105-102).

The story of free throws

Denver is back again, but this time Detroit is relying on its sure man: Tobias Harris, the author of the full match. Without rushing, he created his shot and scored at medium distances which gave his team breathing room (107-104).

The end of the match then becomes unbearable. Twice, Jamal Murray was sent to the line after fouls were called on 3-point shots. Each time, the Nuggets leader let a crucial free throw slip away. Meanwhile, Harris didn’t flinch and converted his two attempts to within two seconds of time.

With 0.7 seconds left, Murray has one last chance to prolong the suspense, but misses his second free throw again, and is forced to miss his third on purpose to hope for a layup by his teammates. It’s a setback, and the Pistons can breathe a sigh of relief: Despite the chaotic finish, they hold on for a 109-107 victory.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Safe hands of the Pistons. Cade Cunningham is back at his best and confirms it with 22 points, 11 assists and no turnovers. The Pistons were very fair overall with the ball in hand, with only six turnovers, half of which went to Ron Holland.

Murray’s failures. A night to forget for Jamal Murray who missed four free throws in the closing seconds as his team lost by two points. Denver’s point guard missed his matchup overall on 7-of-18 shooting, including 0-of-6 from 3-point range.

Successful 1000. Tobias Harris was notable for his 1,000th. career match. We find the metronome that was with the Clippers, able to put up 22 points without any fuss. He is the one who made the difference in the last seconds and did not miss his shots…

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.