Okorie Led Pistons to Preseason Victory
The Detroit Pistons overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 109-107 in their preseason opener.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball
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Rookie Ebuka Okorie secured a win for the Detroit Pistons with a go-ahead layup with 5.8 seconds remaining. The team rallied from a 19-point hole to beat the Phoenix Suns 109-107.
Why it matters
The victory highlights the potential of the Pistons' young roster and the coaching staff's confidence in Okorie, the 17th pick in the 2026 draft, to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Ebuka Okorie contributed seven points in 10 minutes and 5 seconds of action. The Pistons' third-quarter surge outscored the Suns 34-16, overcoming the initial 19-point deficit.
The players
Ebuka Okorie
He is a professional basketball player and the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Detroit Pistons
They are a professional basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association based in Detroit.
Phoenix Suns
They are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix that competes in the Western Conference.
Ausar Thompson
He is a professional basketball player who contributed 10 points and three steals during the preseason opener.
Ron Holland
He is a professional basketball player who led the team with 14 points and five steals during the win.
The details
Ebuka Okorie sealed the comeback by driving past Haywood Highsmith for a scooping up-and-under layup. The second-half rally was fueled by increased defensive intensity, which bolstered the team's offensive output after a cold start.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: The Detroit Pistons defeated the Phoenix Suns 109-107 in their preseason opener.
October 10, 2026: The Detroit Pistons will play the Washington Wizards.
October 20, 2026: The Detroit Pistons will play the Boston Celtics in their regular-season opener.
Season Trajectory
This win provides a momentum boost as the team refines its rotation ahead of the regular-season opener. The comeback performance suggests a competitive roster depth that could impact early-season standings.
Ebuka Okorie showcased high-pressure shot-making ability, providing a potential bench spark for fantasy lineups. The team's successful 19-point comeback highlights an effective defensive shift that may be central to future rotations.
The takeaway
Early preseason performances often highlight the depth and adaptability of a roster rather than finalized starting lineups. Fans should look for consistent defensive intensity in upcoming games to gauge the long-term success of the second-half adjustments.
What happens next
The Pistons face the Washington Wizards on October 10, 2026, followed by their regular-season debut against the Boston Celtics on October 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the roster and upcoming games, visit the Basketball page.
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