The Detroit Pistons pulled out a dramatic 99–98 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night at Little Caesars Arena, surviving a last-second tip-in attempt to secure another statement victory in their red-hot start to the season.

Cade Cunningham once again delivered in crunch time, scoring eight of his 18 points in the final three minutes. His late-game shot creation settled Detroit’s offense during a tense fourth quarter and helped flip the momentum after Atlanta briefly grabbed the lead.

Jalen Duren continued his breakout campaign with 21 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring Detroit at both ends and controlling the paint for most of the night. Caris LeVert added 14 points, providing steady two-way play and several key defensive stops during Detroit’s final defensive stand.

The game came down to the final 0.1 seconds, when Atlanta earned one last opportunity under the rim. Jalen Johnson’s tip-in attempt fell short as time expired, allowing Detroit to escape with the win and improve to 17–4 — one of the best starts in franchise history.

Detroit’s performance wasn’t flawless, but it showcased the toughness and late-game composure that have defined this year’s squad. With continued growth from their young core and strong contributions across the rotation, the Pistons are firmly establishing themselves as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.