NBA: Detroit wallops Philadelphia to maintain top spot in East

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Detroit Pistons tightened their grip on the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 spot after crushing the Philadelphia 76ers, 131-109, in the ongoing NBA regular season on March 13, 2026.

Fresh off a 38-point blowout against the Brooklyn Nets, the Pistons picked up where they left off, improving to a 47-18 win-loss record, four wins ahead of the trailing Boston Celtics, who are currently sitting at No. 2.

Detroit quickly blew the game wide open after establishing an early double-digit lead in the first quarter, bolstered by a balanced attack from Jalen Duren, Duncan Robinson and Tobias Harris.

Among all offensive contributors, it was Robinson who stood out the most in the first half, erupting for 15 points, all from 3-pointers.

Robinson waxed hot midway through the first frame, which Cade Cunningham exploited by setting multiple plays for his shooter.

Whether from a pick-and-pop at the top of the key or a baseline curl, Robinson paid off Cunningham’s trust, detonating downtown bomb after bomb to keep the Pistons in front at the half.

All hell broke loose in the third quarter, when Detroit outscored the 76ers, 35-21, in that period alone for a 35-point advantage heading into the fourth frame.

The bench mob trio of Kevin Huerter, Ronald Holland and Isaiah Stewart continued what Robinson started, outscoring the entire Philadelphia team in the final four minutes of the third quarter with a 16-5 run.

Deflated, disoriented and cold from the field, the banged-up 76ers played without any sense of urgency in the fourth, forcing head coach Nick Nurse to wave the white flag with seven minutes still remaining in the game.

Robinson led all Detroit scorers with an efficient 19-point performance on five 3-pointers, alongside four assists, two rebounds and a steal.

Meanwhile, Cunningham tallied only eight markers, but made up for it in the playmaking department with 13 dimes, five boards, two steals and a block.

The Pistons will aim for their third consecutive victory today against the Memphis Grizzlies, while Philadelphia looks to bounce back on March 15, 2026, against the Brooklyn Nets.