Check azcentral for live updates of scores, highlights, and statistics during the Suns-Pistons game. Suns' new big Nick Richards thrives in 2nd quarter. Devin Booker scored 10 of

Phoenix Suns are above .500 for first time since Christmas after win over Detroit Pistons in third game of five-game road trip.

Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) loses the ball against defense from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) AP

This game marked the Suns debut for Nick Richards after he was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. Richards came off the bench and made a huge impact with 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 11 rebounds and was a team-high plus-22 in 30 minutes.

Tobias Harris led the Pistons with 21 points, while Cade Cunningham added 20 points and 11 assists. Cunningham, Detroit's All-Star candidate, shot 7 for 26 from the field. Jalen Duren finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, Malik Beasley scored 14 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Marcus Sasser each had 11.

Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards made his debut on Saturday at the Detroit Pistons, first coming off the bench in the first quarter.

This is more than a change of scenery for new Phoenix Suns big Nick Richards. In being traded, Richards leaves a Charlotte franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016 and joins one that’s looking to compete for championship.

During Week 13, the Blazers will play four games, beginning with the Heat on Tuesday. With Mark Williams firmly entrenched as Charlotte’s starting center, Richards needed a move to have a chance of establishing his fantasy ceiling.

The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin reported that Richards could be with the Suns for Phoenix's game on Saturday at the Detroit Pistons. Nick Richards trade grades:Did Phoenix Suns or Charlotte ...

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said he expects Richards to meet the team Friday in Detroit and get ... debut Saturday against the Pistons. "We're excited about adding Nick and what he can bring ...

Kevin Durant scored 30 of his 36 points in the second half, Devin Booker supplied 35 points and the Phoenix Suns defeated the host Detroit Pistons 125-121 on Saturday.

Richards - coupled with rookie stud Oso Ighodaro - will inject a very pointed surge of athleticism into the Suns' lineup. Last season Nick Richards had more dunks (120) than Nurkic and Plumlee combined (100) in 1000 fewer minutes.