Phoenix — There wasn’t going to be a fourth-quarter fade out this time.
After Monday’s disappointing loss at Cleveland, the Pistons avoided a repeat performance, getting an inspired contribution from their bench group.
With a 17-2 run early in the fourth period, the Pistons pulled away from the Phoenix Suns and took a 118-98 victory on Thursday night at Talking Stick Resort Arena. It’s the opener of the four-game western trip, which continues Saturday at Portland.
With the win, the Pistons (37-34) increased their lead over the Brooklyn Nets to a full game and by 1½ games from the Miami Heat, whom were both idle.