Pistons’ Remarkable Rise Continues as Detroit Pushes 13-Game Win Streak

Two years ago, the Detroit Pistons were trapped in a spiral they couldn’t escape, enduring a 28-game losing streak that marked one of the darkest chapters in franchise history. A team once known for its rugged championship DNA had hit rock bottom, struggling to find direction after years of rebuilding missteps. The 14-win season that followed in 2023–24 only deepened the uncertainty surrounding the organization’s future.

But Detroit’s landscape shifted quickly. The arrival of J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach last season offered stability, and Cade Cunningham’s leap into All-NBA form provided the foundation for a revival. With a revised system, clear roles, and renewed confidence, Detroit entered the 2025–26 season with a fresh identity and a sense of purpose.

Through their first 17 games, the Pistons have stunned the league by vaulting to a 15–2 record, riding a 13-game winning streak after a gritty 122–117 win over the Indiana Pacers. While many of their victories came against struggling opponents, the consistency and poise of this young roster have quickly become impossible to overlook.

For Cunningham, the streak symbolizes the team’s evolution—not its destination. “This is just a product of the work,” he said after Monday’s win. “We still have bigger things to go do.” In a span of just two years, Detroit has gone from rock bottom to a contender pushing the boundaries of its historical ceiling.

1. Echoes of Pistons History

Detroit’s current streak has naturally drawn comparisons to two standout moments in franchise history. The 1989–90 championship Pistons and the 2003–04 title team each authored 13-game win streaks of their own—coincidentally, both seasons ended with a parade. Those teams, like this one, were built not on flash but on defensive dominance and complete buy-in across the roster. The “Bad Boy” Pistons of 1990 thrived on physicality and suffocating pressure, posting one of the top defensive ratings in the league and leading numerous opponent-limiting categories. The 2004 team mirrored that formula, finishing top-two in defensive efficiency while allowing the fewest points in the NBA. This year’s Pistons are not carbon copies of those groups, but the defensive foundation is unmistakable. Instead of bruising fouls and borderline confrontations, Bickerstaff’s version applies modern discipline—walling off drives, contesting without fouling, and prioritizing transition defense. Through 17 games, Detroit ranks among the league’s best in defensive rating, transition prevention, and points allowed in the paint. Their length and anticipation shut down driving lanes, a hallmark shared with championship rosters of the past. For the first time in over a decade, defense is once again Detroit’s calling card.

2. Cunningham’s Leadership and Offensive Balance

While defense is Detroit’s anchor, the offense has evolved into one of the league’s most balanced attacks. In the same way Isiah Thomas and Chauncey Billups once commanded championship-level offenses, Cade Cunningham has stepped firmly into the role of franchise engine. Cunningham’s numbers reflect an MVP-caliber start: 27.1 points, 9.6 assists, and 44.4 percent shooting. He ranks among the NBA’s leaders in both scoring and playmaking, orchestrating an offense that thrives on ball movement and high-percentage looks. Most important for Detroit’s growth, he elevates those around him. Eight Pistons currently average double figures, including emerging two-way wing Ausar Thompson, Most Improved Player candidate Jalen Duren, and sharpshooters Duncan Robinson and Daniss Jenkins. Their collective efficiency has pushed Detroit into the league’s top tier in field goal percentage. Bickerstaff continues to demand more, even after wins. Following Monday’s game, he emphasized that defensive lapses late in games cannot become a habit. “Our defense is our identity,” he said. “We can’t ever feel full or satisfied.” The message has become a cultural staple: talent fuels Detroit’s offense, but discipline drives everything else.

3. Chemistry, Continuity, and What Comes Next

Detroit’s roster cohesion has become one of its defining strengths. Cunningham is the undisputed leader, but the success of the streak stems from shared responsibility. Duren’s nightly double-doubles, Thompson’s elite perimeter defense, Stewart’s intensity, and the shooting depth behind them have created a team with clear roles and trust. The strong start sparked speculation about whether Detroit will pursue a major trade, with national chatter already linking them to big names. But internally, the Pistons are in no hurry to disrupt what’s working. Team officials are aligned with Bickerstaff: no major move is necessary unless the right opportunity naturally emerges. With Jaden Ivey reintegrated into the rotation and Tobias Harris returning from injury, the Pistons are only now approaching full strength. Their 15–2 start places them on a historic win pace, and while 72 wins is unlikely, their franchise record of 64 wins is within reasonable view if they maintain their identity. Detroit knows the season is long and adversity is inevitable. But for now, the chemistry and confidence inside this locker room have made the Pistons the surprise contender of the early NBA season—one that looks capable of sustaining success far beyond this streak.