By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 02:07 GMT, 14 March 2025 | Updated: 02:07 GMT, 14 March 2025
DETROIT (AP) - Alex Sarr made the go-ahead basket with 53 seconds left, followed with a blocked shot and finished with 19 points to lead the Washington Wizards to a 129-125 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.
Justin Champagnie had 17 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards, while Kyshawn George scored all of his nine points in the fourth quarter, making three 3-pointers after going 0 for 4 through three quarters.
Cade Cunningham had 38 points and 10 rebounds for the Pistons, who had won two straight. Jalen Duren added 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Duren's follow shot gave the Pistons a 125-124 lead with 1:03 left. Sarr dunked at the other end to put Washington up 126-125, then blocked Cunningham's dunk attempt.
Tim Hardaway Jr. missed a tying 3-pointer with 8.7 seconds left and Marcus Smart clinched the game from the line.
Wizards: The Wizards lost 123-103 to the Pistons on Tuesday, but were much sharper after a day off in Detroit.
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) grabs a rebound against Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Pistons: SG Jaden Ivey gave an update on his recovery from a fractured tibia sustained on Jan. 1 against the Orlando Magic. He is expected to miss the rest of the regular season, but hopes to return in time for his first trip to the NBA playoffs.
The Wizards shot 61% (11 for 18) from the floor in the fourth quarter, including 5 for 10 on 3-pointers. Detroit made 35% (7 of 20) of its fourth-quarter shots, missing all eight 3-pointers.
The Wizards trailed late in the second quarter, but responded with a 27-10 run that gave them a 75-62 lead after the first minute of the third.
Both teams return to action on Saturday. Washington continues its road trip in Denver while the Pistons host Oklahoma City.
Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (32) takes a shot against Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley, left, tries to knock the ball away from Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) lays up a shot against Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) gets a shot off against Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff shouts directions at guard Malik Beasley (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)