Pistons edge Nuggets 109-107 in Denver as Tobias Harris seals it at the line

The Detroit Pistons survived a frantic finish in Denver, beating the Nuggets 109-107 on Tuesday night, January 27, with the recap updated early January 28, 2026, according to ESPN’s game story. Tobias Harris delivered the decisive points at the foul line, sinking two free throws with two seconds remaining after Denver had closed a late gap. The win extended Detroit’s strong stretch and underscored the value of veteran composure in tight road games.

Detroit built its advantage early, at one point stretching the margin to 18 in the second quarter and maintaining control for much of the night. The Pistons leaned on balanced scoring and steady orchestration from Cade Cunningham, who finished with 22 points and 11 assists, steering possessions as the Nuggets tried to ratchet up pressure. Harris matched Cunningham’s 22 points, and his final trip to the line became the game’s defining moment.

Denver’s comeback was fueled by Jamal Murray, who piled up 24 points and 10 assists and nearly flipped the game in the closing seconds. But the Nuggets’ final push was undermined at the stripe. With Denver down three, Murray drew contact on a three-point attempt and went to the line with a chance to force a tie. He missed one of the free throws, and after Harris made two at the other end, Murray returned to the line with 0.7 seconds left, only to miss again—leaving Denver a point short as time ran out.

The Nuggets were also navigating a difficult context. ESPN reported that Denver was shorthanded and dealing with the effects of a disrupted travel schedule after a winter storm led to postponements and travel complications, while multiple players were unavailable or rehabbing injuries. Jonas Valanciunas returned from a brief absence and produced 16 points and 16 rebounds, helping keep Denver competitive as the lineup rotated and roles shifted.

For Detroit, the result reinforced a pattern that good teams aim to master: winning games that get messy. The Pistons were sharp enough early to create breathing room, but disciplined enough late to withstand a rally in a hostile environment. For Denver, the loss highlighted the thin margin that injuries and fatigue can create—especially when the closing seconds hinge on free throws. Both clubs quickly turned the page, with Detroit continuing its road swing and Denver preparing for the next home date.