DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons have officially gained momentum, defeating the Boston Celtics 117-97 to secure their eighth consecutive win, matching the franchise's longest winning streak since the 2007-08 season. This victory not only halted the Celtics' own six-game winning streak but also marked the Pistons' 33rd victory of the season, surpassing their total wins from the last two seasons combined.
On February 26, 2025, the Pistons showcased their strength, displaying impressive teamwork, and resilience. Malik Beasley shone as the standout performer, coming off the bench to contribute 26 points, with six of his 11 attempts from three-point range hitting the back of the net. Cade Cunningham, continuing his impressive run, added 21 points and 11 assists, marking his 26th double-double of the season.
The game was not without its ups and downs for Detroit. The Pistons jumped to an early lead, at one point holding a 15-point advantage. But as the first half progressed, the Celtics clawed back, tying the game at 55-55 before halftime. It was the third quarter where the Pistons proved their mettle, tightening their defense and taking charge of the game. They ended the third period with a 90-79 lead, never allowing Boston to regain control.
The Celtics, missing key player Jaylen Brown due to a thigh contusion, struggled to keep pace with Detroit's offense. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics' scoring efforts with 27 points but the absence of Brown was palpable as Detroit's aggressive defense forced their opponents to commit 19 turnovers, converting those mistakes to 24 points.
This recent streak has become symbolic of the Pistons' revival. "It’s a great feeling," Cunningham said afterward, reflecting on the significance of the win streak. "To see it coming to fruition now is a great thing. I'm happy for the city, but I'm not satisfied at all. I think there's still a lot more work to do. The city wants championships, and so we're slowly building towardthat. This is a great start for us. It's been a great year for us so far."
The transformation of the Pistons is noteworthy. Just two seasons prior, they had managed only 31 wins across both campaigns, leading to significant changes within the organization, including three coaching switches during the period. Now, under the new management, which included recent hires and revamped strategies, the team has found renewed confidence.
With their current record of 33-26, the Pistons now sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, merely one game behind the fourth position held by the Indiana Pacers. This significant improvement raises hopes not only for the franchise's short-term success but also offers glimmers of promise for meaningful playoff contention. The city of Detroit is embracing this resurgence with eagerness, hoping for potential championship aspirations.
While the season still has many games left to play, the Pistons' momentum can act as both a motivational springboard and competitive drive as they head toward the final stretch of the regular season. Each game adds more layers to their story, illustrating the grit and determination shaping this young team.