Pistons Edge Nuggets 109-107 in Thrilling Finish

Tobias Harris' clutch free throws seal victory for Detroit

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:15am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with players' figures broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the dynamic motion and intensity of the match.The Pistons' narrow victory over the shorthanded Nuggets showcases the raw energy and competitive spirit of the NBA game.Denver Today

A thrilling NBA encounter unfolded on January 28, 2026, as the Detroit Pistons faced off against the Denver Nuggets. The Pistons emerged victorious with a score of 109-107, largely due to the stellar performance of Tobias Harris, who scored 22 points, including the game-sealing free throws in the final seconds.

Why it matters

The Pistons' victory solidified their lead atop the Eastern Conference, while the Nuggets' struggles were exacerbated by key player injuries and travel disruptions. The game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams in a closely contested matchup.

The details

Cade Cunningham contributed 22 points and 11 assists to the Pistons' cause, helping the team to a 9-1 record in their last 11 games. For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray led the charge with 24 points and 10 assists, but his missed free throws in the final seconds proved costly.

  • The game was played on January 28, 2026.
  • The Pistons' victory came with just 2 seconds left on the clock.

The players

Tobias Harris

A key player for the Detroit Pistons, who scored 22 points, including the game-sealing free throws.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' point guard, who contributed 22 points and 11 assists to the team's victory.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets' star player, who led his team with 24 points and 10 assists, but missed crucial free throws in the final seconds.

Aaron Gordon

A Nuggets player who was sidelined due to injury, leaving the team shorthanded.

Nikola Jokic

Another Nuggets player who was out with an injury, further weakening the team's lineup.

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What they’re saying

“The mental part of it was really hard.”

— David Adelman, Nuggets Head Coach

What’s next

The Pistons will face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, while the Nuggets will host the Brooklyn Nets in their next game, seeking to bounce back from this narrow defeat.

The takeaway

This thrilling game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, with the Pistons emerging victorious thanks to Tobias Harris' clutch performance. The Nuggets' struggles with injuries and travel disruptions highlighted the challenges they faced, but the team's late comeback attempt demonstrated their fighting spirit.