The Detroit Pistons defeated the Miami Heat, 98-93, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday evening.

The Pistons (20-24) got out to a start befitting a team with a much better record, as they owned a 30-17 lead after one quarter. However, the Heat (21-22) obliterated their 14-point halftime deficit in the third quarter, trampling Detroit to the tune of a 30-12 advantage during the period and entering the fourth-quarter with an improbable four-point lead. The final minutes were a back-and-forth affair that saw Miami lose their advantage. While they were within one as late as the 19.8 second-mark of the fourth quarter, a pair of free throws apiece by Reggie Jackson and Blake Griffin sealed the hard-fought victory. Andre Drummond's exit after seven minutes due to a nasal injury also made things considerably more challenging for the Pistons.

Dwyane Wade led the way for the Heat with 20 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds. Tyler Johnson supplied 16 points, five rebounds, three dimes and one block. Justise Winslow supplied 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Rodney McGruder managed 11 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo pitched in nine points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Hassan Whiteside mustered just eight points but hauled in 10 rebounds.

Griffin paced the Pistons with 32 points and supplemented them with 11 rebounds, nine assists and one steal. Luke Kennard furnished 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Reggie Bullock poured in 19 points. Stanley Johnson delivered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jackson contributed nine points, five boards and two assists.

The Heat remains on the road and takes on the Chicago Bulls on Saturday evening, while the Pistons remain home and take on the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.