Detroit Pistons Keep Rolling, Defeats LA Clippers 106-97
The Detroit Pistons are on fire! After easily defeating the Atlanta Hawks just the night before, they returned to their home court at Little Caesars Arena and took care of business against the Los Angeles Clippers, winning 106-97. This victory marked their seventh consecutive win, which has solidified their status as playoff contenders.
Leading the charge was Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, who delivered an impressive performance, scoring 32 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out seven assists. His effort, combined with Tobias Harris contributing 20 points, was pivotal as the Pistons rallied to secure the victory.
The game started off competitive, with the first half featuring 15 lead changes and seven ties, showing both teams battling for control. But it was the Pistons who pulled away with a commanding 21-8 run late in the third quarter. This pivotal stretch began with Cunningham making a layup, giving Detroit the lead at 68-67 at the 4:36 mark. From there, he scored or assisted on eight of the first nine points of the run, showcasing his ability as both scorer and playmaker.
Ron Holland capped the run early in the fourth quarter with a fastbreak dunk, pushing the Pistons to their largest lead of the night at 87-75. While the Clippers attempted to fight back, even narrowing the gap to five points late, Cunningham's calm at the free-throw line helped maintain their advantage. With just over a minute remaining, Cunningham knocked down a three-pointer, effectively sealing the victory and making the score 103-93.
Overall, the Pistons' defense stood out significantly during the second half. They limited the Clippers to just 37.5% shooting from the field, showcasing their commitment to tightening up defensively when it mattered most.
This win improved Detroit's record to 32-26, placing them solidly sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They remain just 1½ games out of the coveted fourth seed, which is important for home-court advantage during the first round of the playoffs. With 24 games left to play this season, every win counts, and the Pistons seem fully focused.
"We’ve been among the best teams for two months, and this streak is something we want to keep building on," said Pistons coach Dwane Casey after the game. The seven-game streak ties the longest winning stretch the franchise has had since the 2014-15 season. The Pistons have demonstrated resilience, winning both on the road and their recent homestand, where this victory was their first home game since February 9.
While Cunningham has garnered much attention for his scoring, Ausar Thompson has also shown commendable growth during this stretch. He showcased his developing skills with ball-handling, choosing to drive to the basket instead of forcing three-point shots, which he has been hesitant to take lately, signaling rapid improvement as on-ball creator over the past few games. His 12.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game reflect his consistent impact on the floor.
Following this victory, the Pistons will face another challenge as they host the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. The Celtics, currently holding the top spot with a record of 41-16 (at the time), will prove to be tough competition, but the Pistons are riding high with confidence after their recent success.
With their eyes on the playoffs, Pistons fans are excited to see if their team can continue this momentum against the formidable Celtics. The home game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and promises to be another electrifying matchup at Little Caesars Arena.
For Pistons fans, the anticipation is building, and enthusiasm for the team's current success is palpable. They have reasons to cheer, considering how well the team has performed lately, and the upcoming games will likely be pivotal for their playoff hopes.