Pistons' rally falls short in overtime loss to Hawks

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Mar 25, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

DETROIT — With every fan inside Little Caesars Arena on their feet, the Detroit Pistons trailed the Atlanta Hawks 121-119 with just 13.1 seconds remaining. After a timeout, Coach JB Bickerstaff called a play for Tobias Harris, who made a mid-range jumper to tie the game at 121.

The Hawks held the offensive possession with 9.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter, with the ball in CJ McCollum’s hands. His potential game-winning basket fell short, sending the game into overtime. The additional five minutes led to the Pistons and Hawks exchanging offensive strikes. However, Detroit was unable to complete its second-half rally, falling 130-129.

Jalen Duren led Detroit with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Tobias Harris added 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, while Ausar Thompson contributed with 18 points, five assists, four steals and onw blocks.

Daniss Jenkins followed up his career 30-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday with 19 points and 10 assists.

Hawks guard Dyson Daniels executed a two-handed dunk with 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The dunk was set up by an assist from Jalen Johnson, extending the Hawks' lead to 21 points at 73-53. At that moment, the Pistons seemed completely lifeless, and the fans inside Little Caesars Arena were notably quiet.

However, coach J.B. Bickerstaff's halftime message inspired the Pistons, giving them renewed energy in the second half. Detroit started the third quarter with a 16-0 run, which helped them gain momentum and take a 99-98 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Jalen Johnson scored a team-best 27 points, with 15 coming in the second quarter. He also added 12 assists and eight rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker finished with 21 points. CJ McCollum kept the Hawks afloat late in the fourth quarter, where he scored eight of his 27 points during the final four minutes.

____