NBA: Pistons upset Mavs in overtime as Bogdanovic and Hayes outduel Doncic

Detroit, Michigan - It was a familiar story for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks on Thursday as Luka Doncic was the best player on the court, but it was not enough, with the Mavs going down 131-125 against the Detroit Pistons in overtime.

Detroit Pistons players celebrate after defeating the Dallas Mavericks at Little Caesars Arena.
Detroit Pistons players celebrate after defeating the Dallas Mavericks at Little Caesars Arena.  © REUTERS

In front of their home fans, the Pistons rode hot-shooting nights from Bojan Bogdanovic and Killian Hayes, combining for 52 points on 20-of-27 shooting to overcome the Slovenian star's brilliance.

Bogdanovic had 30 points with four assists, four rebounds, and two steals, while Hayes had 22 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, while starring in the overtime period.

Doncic, the league-leader in points per game, raised his average to 33.5 with his 35 points on 13-of-25 shooting, adding 10 assists and five rebounds, but he hit just two of his six free throws, proving costly.

NBA's Joel Embiid to undergo left knee procedure
NBA NBA's Joel Embiid to undergo left knee procedure

With Doncic essentially being a one-man show in Dallas, the Pistons used that against the Mavericks in overtime, consistently trapping him as soon as he crossed mid-court to force a quick pass, deciding they would live with whatever resulted from other players shooting the ball.

The Pistons approached their offense in the complete opposite fashion, with six players attempting between 10 and 15 field goal attempts each, and their unpredictability forced the Dallas defense to play one-on-one.

Taking advantage of his hot hand, Hayes put the game to bed as he turned a 125-125 tie into a win with back-to-back pull-up three-pointers to stick the dagger into the visiting Mavs.

The tanking Pistons are now 6-18, while the Mavericks, who are coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance, fall to 10-11.

Cover photo: REUTERS

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