Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell ignite offense as Heat overcome Pistons, extending win streak and building crucial momentum for their Eastern Conference push.
Detroit, MI - As 2026 begins, the Miami Heat's unofficial New Year's resolution is to restore order, regain ground in the Eastern Conference standings, and get the season back on track. They've strung together three consecutive victories, with the latest coming on Monday night, Dec. 29th, 2025, against the Denver Nuggets, resulting in a final score of 147-123. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic led the charge, combining for 42 points, including six three-pointers made, five from the Serbian forward.
However, after a couple of days off, another great challenge presented itself, facing the Detroit Pistons. They've taken a massive leap to start this season, currently occupying the first seed in the Eastern Conference. It would be a great test for the Heat, but one that would prove the type of team they are.
The Pistons were without a couple of rotation players, such as veteran forward Tobias Harris (left hip strain) and guard Caris LeVert (Left knee inflammation). The Heat were also down a couple of bodies in All-Star guard Tyler Herro (right big toe contusion) and second-year guard Pelle Larsson (right ankle sprain).
The starting lineups:
Heat: Davion Mitchell-Norman Powell-Andrew Wiggins-Bam Adebayo-Kel'el Ware
Pistons: Cade Cunningham-Duncan Robinson-Ausar Thompson-Isaiah Stewart-Jalen Duran
The last time both teams faced each other was on Saturday night, Nov. 29th, 2025, in which the Heat lost thrillingly, nearly overcoming a 22-point deficit with a massive fourth-quarter spark, resulting in a final score of 138-135. They would hope for different results this time.
It was time for tipoff and Andrew Wiggins was the first to punch the scoreboard with a floater. The Heat's offense continued to click, sparking a 16-2 run, which helped them close the first quarter with a strong 33-26 lead. The bench unit of Jaquez Jr., Jovic, and Dru Smith provided a massive spark.
However, the Pistons weren't one to go down without a fight. They continued to attack the rim, which kept them close within the game. The Heat managed to respond to their punches, including a mini 7-4 spark, which resulted in a 63-54 lead at the end of the first half.
As the game returned from intermission, Norman Powell exploded for 15 points, including a couple of three-pointers throughout the third quarter. The veteran guard displayed his All-Star capabilities.
However, the Pistons wouldn't surrender, sparking a 16-5 run in the fourth quarter to make it a single-digit game again. The Heat managed to execute well enough to secure the victory, especially after Davion Mitchell stole the ball from an inbound pass, resulting in a final score of 118-112. They improved their record to 19-15 on the season, extending the win streak to four.
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