The Detroit Pistons’ Remarkable Turnaround
The Detroit Pistons, once mired in a historic losing streak, have dramatically transformed their fortunes this season. Two years ago, they set an unwanted NBA record by losing 28 consecutive games, but as of Monday night, they’ve secured their 13th victory in a row, defeating the Indiana Pacers 122-117. This streak ties them with two iconic teams from their past, the championship squads of 1990 and 2004, and elevates their season record to an impressive 15-2.
Cade Cunningham’s Reflections
Cade Cunningham, the standout guard and former first overall draft choice, expressed his excitement about the franchise’s resurgence:
“It’s amazing. We play for the Detroit Pistons, man. A historic franchise. So to be able to make history for a historic franchise like this — it’s special.”
From Struggles to Success
This remarkable comeback comes after a tumultuous start to the 2023-24 season, where the Pistons were struggling with a 3-36 record but have since rallied to secure 14 wins. With their current form, they are poised to surpass the legends of Detroit basketball, including the infamous “Bad Boys” teams that left a mark in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Looking ahead, they’ll face the Boston Celtics on Wednesday in an NBA Cup matchup, a classic rivalry that harkens back to their storied history.
Game Highlights Against the Pacers
In their latest game against the Pacers, who are currently battling through injuries, the Pistons faced a determined opponent. Despite a spirited fight from Indiana, which had made it to the NBA Finals last season, they dropped to a disappointing 2-15 record.
Cunningham led the charge for Detroit with a robust performance, contributing 24 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Jalen Duren and Caris LeVert also made significant impacts, with Duren recording a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, while LeVert added 19 points to the tally. Additionally, the Pistons welcomed back Jaden Ivey, the fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft, who scored 12 points in limited minutes after recovering from a fibula injury.
Looking Ahead
However, despite the victory, Cunningham noted a concern as the team almost let an 18-point lead slip away in the final quarter.
“We shouldn’t have allowed them to get back into the game like that,”
he remarked.
“So watch the film, be sick about the film, but work from it, learn from it and get better.”
