DETROIT (AP) — Malik Beasley scored 26 points, Cade Cunningham had 21 points and 11 assists, and the Detroit Pistons beat the Boston Celtics 117-97 on Wednesday night. This victory marked the Pistons' eighth straight win, asserting their status as one of the NBA’s hottest teams.
On the home court at Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons (33-26) ended not only the game but also a 12-game losing streak against Boston. Just two nights prior, they had halted a 10-game skid against the Los Angeles Clippers. The triumph over the Celtics was particularly sweet for Detroit, providing the team with much-needed confidence and momentum.
Detroit's current win streak is now tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the longest active run in the NBA. This resurgence is significant for the Pistons, as it is their longest stretch of victories since they achieved a 10-game run back from January 23 to February 13, 2008.
Boston (42-17), who came off of six consecutive wins, found themselves overwhelmed on the court during this matchup. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 27 points, supported by 18 each from Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Despite their strong offense, the Celtics faced one of their most glaring defeats of the season, suffering their second-largest loss by 20 points, only one point shy of their largest loss.
The Pistons not only outperformed the Celtics on the scoreboard but also dominated the boards, finishing with a 49-33 rebounding advantage. Jalen Duren was instrumental alongside Beasley and Cunningham, contributing 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Pistons displayed their rebounding tenacity, as they have consistently outclassed opponents this season.
Going back to the game dynamics, the first half closed with both teams tied at 55. But Detroit seized control by outscoring Boston 35-24 during the third quarter, showcasing their growth and resilience. They began the fourth with a burst, establishing a 19-point lead early on.
For the Pistons, this eight-game run signifies more than just victories; it symbolizes the team's rejuvenation after years of rebuilding. They have the talent and the depth necessary to contend moving forward, with key players like Cade Cunningham leading the charge. Cunningham, though having moments of struggle, still managed to score effectively and contribute significantly through assists and rebounds.
Reflecting on their achievement, statistics speak volumes. The Pistons currently boast a net rating of 16.0, ranking them as one of the league's top teams during their run, behind only the Cavaliers and Warriors. Their impressive offensive rating of 122.7 is third-best, illustrating their effectiveness on offense and their capability of taking high-percentage shots.
Despite the ups and downs leading to this point, the Pistons are no strangers to overcoming adversity, having posted winning streaks of at least ten games on several occasions throughout their history. This latest victory puts them one step closer to matching their franchise record of 13 consecutive wins achieved during two memorable seasons, which just so happened to be when they claimed NBA championships.
Just when it seemed the Celtics were poised for another comeback, the Pistons reasserted their command, edging out Boston and establishing their presence solidly within the current league narrative. With Cunningham continuing to gather performances along with young talents stepping up, the future looks bright for Detroit fans.
This win serves not only to assert themselves within their own division but also as a promise of competitive baseball moving forward. Detroit could very well be returning to their glory days, and for fans, the optimism is palpable.
Though critics may have doubted the Pistons’ abilities just weeks prior, recent performances have silenced those concerns. If they maintain this pace, they could make serious noise when the playoffs roll around, with their eyes set on even greater heights.