LOS ANGELES, United States, Mar 29 (V7N) – The Detroit Pistons secured their first winning season since 2016 with a 133-122 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, while Stephen Curry's return powered the Golden State Warriors to a crucial win.  

"Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 32 points to lead Detroit to a 133-122 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, a triumph that assured the Pistons of their first winning NBA season since 2016," reports from the Motor City confirmed.  

Tim Hardaway Jr.'s season-high 32 points, including seven three-pointers, led a balanced Pistons attack, with seven players scoring in double figures.  

"Hardaway connected on seven of 11 from three-point range on the way to his season-high, leading seven Pistons players to score in double figures," a game analyst stated.  

Despite a 38-point effort from Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, the Pistons held strong, securing a vital win that improved their record to 42-32.

"The Pistons withstood a 38-point performance from Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, who helped the Cavs erase a 21-point deficit to close within two with 3:31 to play. Detroit responded with a 12-1 run to seal the win, which most importantly pushed their lead for fifth place in the East to one and a half games over the Milwaukee Bucks," a sports correspondent reported.  

The Milwaukee Bucks fell to the New York Knicks 116-107, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's return, further solidifying the Pistons' playoff position.

"The Knicks handed the Bucks a third straight defeat despite 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists from Giannis Antetokounmpo -- who returned after missing one game with a foot sprain," a game recap detailed.  

In New Orleans, Stephen Curry's return from injury sparked a Warriors' victory over the Pelicans.  

"Golden State superstar Stephen Curry scored 23 points in his return from a two-game absence with a pelvic contusion, lifting the Warriors to a 111-95 victory over the Pelicans in New Orleans," a sports reporter confirmed.  

Curry's 13 points in the second quarter helped the Warriors overcome a slow start, and the team's defense improved significantly in the second half.

"Curry scored 13 points in the second quarter to help the Warriors keep it close despite woeful shooting from three-point range. The Warriors picked things up on both ends of the floor in the second half," a game analysis stated.  

The Warriors' victory keeps them in the hunt for a direct playoff spot, currently holding the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

"The Warriors picked things up on both ends of the floor in the second half. Jimmy Butler added 18 points and 10 rebounds for Golden State, who remained seventh in the West and battling to avoid the play-in tournament," a team standings report detailed.

The Los Angeles Clippers also secured a win, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 132-100, maintaining their sixth-seed position.  

"The Los Angeles Clippers remained in sixth -- the final spot for direct entry to the playoffs -- after a 132-100 victory over the Nets in Brooklyn. Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points to lead the Clippers, connecting on five of six three-point attempts and 10 of 14 overall," a game summary reported.  

The Denver Nuggets cruised to a 129-93 victory over the Utah Jazz, with Nikola Jokic delivering another dominant performance.  

"The Denver Nuggets, fueled by 27 points and 14 rebounds from NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, cruised past the Utah Jazz 129-93. Denver led from start to finish, Jokic and the rest of their starters sitting out the fourth quarter of the rout," a game recap confirmed.  

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