When the Pistons' lead guard is on the sideline, they often become stagnant offensively and concede leads or dig a deeper hole.

This game marked the Suns debut for Nick Richards after he was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. Richards came off the bench and made a huge impact with 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 11 rebounds and was a team-high plus-22 in 30 minutes.

The Detroit Pistons take on the Phoenix Suns in non-conference action. The teams play Saturday for the first time this season.

Phoenix is looking for its second straight win in the third of a five-game road trip. Detroit's coming off a 111-100 loss to Indiana on Thursday, but has won seven of its last 10. The Western Conference's 10th-place Suns are led by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant,

The keys to a Suns victory is simple - keep the rebounding battle close, exploit potential mismatches (Durant vs Harris), and take a healthy dose of three-point looks (Detroit is on the same level from behind the arc). Suns-Pistons is set to tip-off shortly after 2 P.M. Arizona time this afternoon.

Phoenix Suns are above .500 for first time since Christmas after win over Detroit Pistons in third game of five-game road trip.

Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) loses the ball against defense from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) AP

Kevin Durant delivered a vintage performance against the Detroit Pistons, helping the Suns win 125-121 at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.

Tobias Harris led the Pistons with 21 points, while Cade Cunningham added 20 points and 11 assists. Cunningham, Detroit's All-Star candidate, shot 7 for 26 from the field. Jalen Duren finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, Malik Beasley scored 14 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Marcus Sasser each had 11.

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Phoenix Suns (20-20, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (21-20, ninth in the Eastern Conference) Detroit; Saturday, 4 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons ...