Reserve guard Ron Holland II ignited a decisive third-quarter surge, scoring 12 of his career-high 18 points as the Detroit Pistons dismantled the Brooklyn Nets 110-94 in an NBA Cup matchup at Barclays Center on Friday.
Holland, who had shot just 28.6% across his first five games, converted 4-of-5 field goals during the pivotal period, helping Detroit outscore Brooklyn 36-17. His scoring burst included two free throws, a layup, and two threes within a 2:32 span that expanded Detroit’s lead from 75-61 to 87-64.
Cade Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons with 20 points, including a seven-point stretch late in the second quarter. Duncan Robinson contributed 10 of his 17 points in the second quarter as Detroit erased a 10-point deficit with a 35-21 run. Paul Reed added 12 points, while Ausar Thompson recorded 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, as Detroit shot 42.2% from the field and connected on 12 three-pointers.
The Nets, now the Eastern Conference’s only winless team, extended their 0-5 start, mirroring last season’s 0-7 beginning before a 20-62 finish. Sacramento Kings (0-5) remain the league’s other winless squad.
Moritz Wagner led Brooklyn with 16 points, but the Nets shot just 40.3% from the field, missing 26 of 37 three-point attempts and surrendering 25 points off 24 turnovers. Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. combined for 28 points on 19 shots, though both struggled with efficiency.
The game began with Brooklyn taking a 28-21 first-quarter edge, fueled by Randle and Wagner’s 15 points. Detroit responded with a 56-49 halftime lead, highlighted by John Collins’ dunk, Javonte Green’s late-clock three, and Thompson’s reverse layup. The Pistons seized control in the third quarter, with Cunningham’s basket making it 72-59 before Holland sealed the victory.
–Field Level Media
