CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — The Detroit Pistons, showcasing the depth and poise of a championship contender, methodically dismantled the Charlotte Hornets in the fourth quarter to secure a 118-100 victory on Friday night at Spectrum Center.

In a game defined by a stunning second-half reversal, the Pistons turned a tight contest into a decisive road win, outscoring the Hornets 25-10 in the final period before an announced crowd of 19,623. The victory improved Detroit’s league-leading record to 59-22, while Charlotte fell to 43-38.

The most important part of the game was Detroit’s comprehensive defensive lockdown in the fourth quarter, which coincided with a dominant offensive stretch spearheaded by center Jalen Duren. After a high-scoring first half that saw Charlotte take a 65-68 lead, and a third quarter that ended with the Hornets clinging to a 90-93 advantage, the game completely flipped after the final break.

Charlotte’s offense, which had flowed through LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller for three quarters, evaporated. The Hornets managed just two field goals in the first nine minutes of the fourth quarter. Detroit’s defense intensified, generating turnovers and contested shots, while their own offense found a reliable rhythm inside and out.

Jalen Duren was the central figure in the clincher. The Detroit center, who finished with 20 points and nine rebounds in just 22 minutes, was unstoppable in the paint during the decisive run. He scored eight points in the fourth, including a driving layup and multiple put-backs, as the Pistons steadily pulled away. His efficiency and physicality inside overwhelmed Charlotte’s front line as the game progressed.

Ball led all scorers with 27 points and added eight assists for Charlotte, but his influence waned in the face of Detroit’s heightened defensive pressure in the final frame. He committed three of his five turnovers in the fourth quarter. Brandon Miller added 22 points for the Hornets, but was limited to just two points in the final period.

Detroit’s victory was a balanced effort. Ausar Thompson provided 12 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Duncan Robinson chipped in 19 points, all in the first three quarters, to help keep Detroit close. Cade Cunningham orchestrated the offense with 14 points and seven assists, and Ronald Holland added 13 points off the bench.

The game began at a frantic pace, with Detroit posting 36 points in the first quarter behind early activity from Duren and Cunningham. Charlotte answered with 35 points in the second quarter, fueled by Ball’s deep shooting and playmaking, to take a slim halftime lead. The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, setting the stage for Detroit’s final-quarter takeover.

The Pistons’ defense held Charlotte to 4-of-21 shooting in the fourth quarter and forced six turnovers, translating those stops into easy transition opportunities and a series of demoralizing baskets that silenced the home crowd. The 18-point final margin belied a game that was competitive for 36 minutes before Detroit’s superior execution and stamina took over.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Charlotte entered the game with a 58.3% probability to win and was installed as a 3-point favorite. The combined score of 218 fell under the over/under line of 223.5.

The Pistons have now won four of their last five games and will conclude their regular season on the road against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. The Hornets, meanwhile, will finish their campaign at the New York Knicks, also on Sunday.