Don’t blink—if you thought Pistons vs. Hornets was just another Monday night NBA matchup, think again. The Spectrum Center in Charlotte was electric on February 9, 2026, as the Detroit Pistons, owners of the East’s best record, squared off against a surging Charlotte Hornets squad hungry for history. With the Hornets riding a nine-game winning streak and aiming for a franchise-record 10th consecutive victory—a feat unseen since 1999—this showdown was must-see television for basketball fans everywhere.
Entering the night, the Pistons boasted a formidable 38-13 record, leading the Eastern Conference by a comfortable five-game margin. Detroit’s campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, having already tied their own franchise record with a 13-game win streak earlier in the season. Their gritty, defense-first approach has evoked memories of the legendary “Bad Boys” era, and they were tied with the Spurs for FanDuel’s third-best odds to win the NBA Finals at 14/1. Meanwhile, Charlotte, sitting at 25-28 and 10th in the East, had found its groove with a home stand that saw them playing their best basketball of the decade.
The stakes were high, and the energy was palpable from tipoff. The Hornets’ starting five—LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté—had an impressive 15-1 record on the season, fueling optimism in the stands. Charlotte’s offense during their winning streak was humming, averaging 117.3 points per game and an offensive rating of 121.5. They were launching threes at a torrid pace, averaging 16.1 makes per game at a 39.9% clip, second-best in the league during the streak. Their dominance on the glass and recent 16-for-16 performance from the free-throw line in a win over Atlanta had only added to the buzz.
But the Pistons were not fazed by the raucous Charlotte crowd or the Hornets’ hot streak. Detroit’s identity this season has been forged in the paint and on the defensive end. They entered the contest ranked second in the NBA with 56.9 points per game in the paint and led the league in steals at 10.6 per contest. Their defensive pressure has routinely forced opponents into rushed shots and turnovers, and they’re the NBA’s stingiest team when it comes to allowing assists.
From the opening quarter, both teams raced up and down the floor, flexing their offensive muscles. Detroit jumped out to a 16-11 lead midway through the first, already racking up 14 points in the paint. “The crowd is rowdy,” observed Dell Curry, and the energy only intensified as the game progressed. By the end of the first quarter, Charlotte led 33-29, punctuated by a dazzling buzzer-beater from Sion James that had fans out of their seats.
As the game wore on, the Pistons leaned on their bread-and-butter: relentless interior scoring. By the final buzzer, Detroit had outscored Charlotte 60-26 in the paint, a staggering margin that underscored their physical dominance. Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ floor general and rising superstar, was simply sensational. He poured in 33 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists, orchestrating Detroit’s offense with poise and precision. In the previous meeting between these squads back in December, Cunningham had dropped 22 points; this time, he took his game to another level, matching and exceeding the SportsLine model’s projection of 24.4 points for him.
“Cade Cunningham and the East-leading Detroit Pistons win in Charlotte! 33 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST,” the NBA’s official social media exclaimed, capturing the essence of his all-around brilliance. Cunningham’s ability to break down Charlotte’s defense and create opportunities for his teammates proved decisive. Duncan Robinson also made his mark, catching fire in the third quarter and keeping the Pistons’ offense humming.
Charlotte, for its part, refused to go quietly. The Hornets’ bench outscored Detroit’s 30-21, with Brandon Miller leading the way for the home team with 15 points. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Kon Knueppel—all projected by SportsLine to score more than 17 points—battled valiantly, and Charlotte’s three-point shooting kept them within striking distance. The Hornets drained 19 of 47 from deep, good for 40.4%, but Detroit’s defense limited their effectiveness inside and forced them into tough, contested looks.
With under three minutes to play, the Hornets mounted a furious rally, cutting Detroit’s lead to 102-96 and sending the Spectrum Center into a frenzy. The crowd roared with every Charlotte bucket, hoping for one more miracle to keep the historic streak alive. But Detroit’s composure held firm. The Pistons’ defense clamped down in the final moments, forcing crucial turnovers and securing key rebounds to seal the 110-104 victory.
The loss snapped Charlotte’s nine-game winning streak, ending their bid for a franchise-record 10th straight win. Still, the Hornets’ recent surge has injected new life into their playoff push, and their young core continues to impress. “This starting five—LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté—is 15-1 on the season,” noted NBA.com, highlighting the promise of Charlotte’s lineup. Their ability to knock down threes and play at a frenetic pace makes them a dangerous opponent for any team, and their resilience was on full display against the conference leaders.
For the Pistons, the victory reinforced their status as legitimate contenders in the East. Their defense, paint dominance, and the emergence of Cade Cunningham as a bona fide star have them dreaming big. Detroit’s 17-11 record against the spread as away favorites, contrasted with Charlotte’s 6-11 mark as home underdogs, gave bettors reason to back the Pistons, and they delivered. The SportsLine model had simulated the matchup 10,000 times, projecting a combined score of 229 points and favoring Detroit by 2.5. The actual outcome—a 110-104 win for the Pistons—landed right in line with the experts’ forecasts.
Elsewhere in the NBA, the night was packed with drama, from the Magic’s 118-99 win over the Bucks to a wild finish in the Warriors’ game against the Grizzlies. But all eyes were on Charlotte, where the Pistons’ victory sent a message to the rest of the league: Detroit is for real, and they’re not backing down from any challenge.
As the Eastern Conference playoff race heats up, both the Pistons and Hornets have plenty to play for. Detroit’s blend of experience, grit, and star power has them eyeing a deep postseason run, while Charlotte’s youthful exuberance and shooting prowess make them a team to watch. On this night, though, it was the Pistons who stole the show, snapping the Hornets’ streak and reminding everyone why they sit atop the East.