After Ausar Thompson briefly got the lead back for the Pistons banking a jumper for a 44-43 advantage, the Heat snagged it right back as former Detroit forward Simone Fontecchio hit a late three in the half and Powell ended a 19-point half by draining his fifth three-pointer in the final second of the period.

Powell, 32, was just two points shy of his season-high, finishing with 36 points, two rebounds, and two assists while hitting seven three-pointers. Jaime Jaquez was the Heat's next best scorer with 19 points and adding three rebounds and five assists.

As he exited Kaseya Center Monday night, Bam Adebayo said there is no better way to end a year than with a win. Apparently, the Miami Heat believe there is no better way to start the year.

Norman Powell scored 36 points and Bam Abdebayo added 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Miami Heat extended their winning streak to four games with a 118-112 win over the Detroit Pistons.

Pistons center and second-leading scorer Jalen Duren exited the game twice due to a right ankle sprain. The second exit ended his night and Detroit (25-9) lost the game 118-112. In the closing minutes of the first half, Duren went driving to the basket and rolled his ankle before making contact with any Heat players.

Ira Winderman’s perspectives and other items of note from the Miami Heat’s Thursday night game against the Detroit Pistons.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/heat/onsi as The Miami Heat can use January to jump ahead. The Miami Heat are currently tied for 6th in the Eastern Conference at a record of 18-15 and riding a 3 game win streak. The Heat will play 17 games and look to gave a better month than they did in December when they went 5-8.

The Pistons whittled a 22-point third-quarter deficit down to two before their rally was halted by the Miami Heat on Thursday.

The Miami Heat have had an up and down season. After losing three games in a row, the Miami Heat have strung together four consecutive wins with their latest victory over the No.

The only thing stopping the Detroit Pistons from maximizing their potential this season is themselves and injuries. They haven't shown any tendencies revealing

Detroit has listed Tobias Harris as doubtful due to left hip soreness that caused him to exit Tuesday's victory over the Lakers after only six minutes and he is expected to miss Thursday's contest. Detroit Pistons injury report for tomorrow night’s game vs Miami Tobias Harris Doubtful Left Hip Soreness Caris Levert Out Left Knee Soreness