The Detroit Pistons secured their 13th consecutive victory on Monday night, tying a franchise record previously achieved by two championship-winning teams. The 1990 and 2004 Pistons teams, both of which won NBA titles, set the standard for consecutive wins. This year’s team, led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, now stands at 15-2 after this win, marking a significant turnaround from their 3-36 record in the 2023-24 season.
Cunningham and Duren were pivotal in the 122-117 win over the Indiana Pacers, with Cunningham contributing 24 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, and Duren adding 17 points and 12 rebounds. Cunningham expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stating, ‘It’s amazing to be able to make history for a historic franchise like this.’ The Pistons’ performance highlights the impact of their young stars, combined with the guidance of coach JB Bickerstaff, who has been instrumental in the team’s improvement over the past year and a half.
Despite the victory, Cunningham acknowledged the need for continued focus, as the team allowed the Pacers to close the gap from an 18-point deficit. ‘We shouldn’t have allowed them to get back into the game like that,’ he said. ‘So watch the film, be sick about the film, but work from it, learn from it, and get better.’ The Pistons are now poised to set a new franchise record, as they prepare to face the Boston Celtics in an NBA Cup game on Wednesday night.
This win not only underscores the Pistons’ potential for sustained success but also serves as a testament to the effectiveness of their recent strategic investments and coaching approach. With their strong start to the season, the Pistons are looking to build on this momentum and continue their winning streak.