Pistons cap physical game vs. Hornets to snap Charlotte’s nine-game win streak

CHARLOTTE — In a contentious battle between the best team in the East and the conference’s hottest team, the Detroit Pistons walked away victorious to snap the Charlotte Hornets’ nine-game win streak. The battle spilled over into more than hoops, with punches being thrown and five ejections between Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren, Moussa Diabaté, Miles Bridges and Hornets coach Charles Lee.

The Pistons won 110-104, with Cade Cunningham scoring a game-high 33 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Detroit overcame another rough night from 3-point range, shooting just 5 of 25 from behind the arc as a unit. The Pistons’ 60 points in the paint and 23 points off turnovers, two of their greatest strengths thus far this season, aided in the rally from a poor shooting showcase.

Ahead of the game, Lee ironically credited Detroit with helping Charlotte find itself after being overwhelmed by the Pistons’ physicality in their first matchup. Detroit walloped the Hornets 112-86 in that Dec. 20 matchup.

There will likely be suspensions for both teams moving forward, but the Pistons further solidified their case as the East’s best team Monday. Detroit will now head to Toronto, where it will face the Raptors on Wednesday before entering the All-Star break. The Pistons now have a six-game lead atop the conference over the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.

This story will be updated.