Brown had 33 points and 10 rebounds, and White scored 11 of his 27 points in the final 4 1/2 minutes to help the Celtics overcome Cunningham's 42-point night.
With Detroit down 3, Cunningham was fouled near mid-court just as he was about to go up for a 3-pointer. After a review, the officials ruled he was indeed in the act of shooting. Cunningham hit the first two, but missed the third. Payton Pritchard grabbed the rebound for Boston, was fouled and hit two free throws with 2.4 seconds left.
Boston stole a pass before Detroit could attempt a potential tying 3.
Pritchard added 16 points to help the Celtics win for the fifth time in six games.
On Monday, Detroit won at Indiana to match the team record for consecutive victories.
Up next
Pistons: Host Orlando on Friday night in an NBA Cup game.
Celtics: At Minnesota on Saturday.
AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBA
