The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 113-103, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

The Hornets (22-46) and the Pistons (15-52) are stuck in rebuilding processes that might last a few more years. However, Charlotte escaped with the win in this battle of franchises already thinking about next season. The Hornets enjoyed a strong start and secured a 31-23 lead following the first quarter, and they made it a nine-point game at the halftime break following a 28-27 score in the second 12-minute period. Charlotte didn’t slow things down and won the third quarter by a 34-33 score. They closed the game when the final 12 minutes ended with a 30-30 tie. The Hornets moved to 11-26 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-26 at home. The Hornets also shot the ball better, making 50 percent of their field goals compared to Detroit’s 44.9, and they won the turnover battle as well, 13-19.

Kelly Oubre Jr. led the way for the Hornets with 27 points and four rebounds. Terry Rozier came close to a double-double after posting 21 points and nine assists while adding six rebounds. P.J. Washington recorded 20 points, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Dennis Smith Jr. finished with 14 points, three assists and three steals off the bench. Nick Richards posted 13 points with nine rebounds. Gordon Hayward had two points (1-9 FG) with five rebounds and six assists.

Cory Joseph led the Pistons in scoring with a 17-point performance in 24 minutes off the bench. Jaden Ivey and James Wiseman posted matching 16-point tallies, with Ivey also adding six assists and three boards while Wiseman racked up 13 rebounds. Isaiah Livers finished with 13 points, five rebounds and two assists.