If the Detroit Pistons beat the Indiana Pacers on Monday, November 24, they can party like it’s 1990. And 2004. The Pistons can match the franchise’s longest winning streak of 13 games, a mark set in both 1989-90 and 2003-04, with a victory on Monday. Both of those Detroit teams went on to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the season. This year’s version of the Pistons looks like it can make a run at the NBA Finals as well, harkening back to the glory days of the organization where defense won championships. Detroit ranks third in the NBA in blocks per game and steals per game while boasting the second-best defensive rating in the league. If Detroit, which is in first in the Eastern Conference, can beat Indiana, which is in second-to-last, it will be going for the franchise’s longest winning streak against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, November 25. Cade Cunningham Has Been A Catalyst For Detroit Pistons While the Pistons have relied on a stout defense during this incredible run, All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham has been the offensive catalyst. The former No. 1 overall pick is having his best NBA season, averaging a career-high 27. 4 points and 9. 9 assists per game (he ranks second in the NBA behind only Nikola Jokic in the latter category). Cunningham helped the Pistons begin their winning streak on October 29 with a 135-116 win over the Orlando Magic, a game in which he had 30 points and 10 assists. The guard then proceeded to lead both teams in scoring in seven of the next 11 games including a triple double with a career-high 46 points (on an astounding 45 shots) in a 137-135 overtime win over the Washington Wizards on November 11 to power the Pistons to this historic mark. Cunningham had a breakout campaign last season, where he earned his first All-Star selection and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, increasing the value of the maximum rookie extension he signed in 2024. He’s proving to be a worthwhile investment for the organization. Detroit Pistons Look Poised To Contend In Eastern Conference The Pistons haven’t won a title since 2004, but they look like a real contender to do so this season. They currently lead the East with a 14-2 record and have the second best record in the NBA behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder (17-1). Detroit would be a strong bet to advance out of the East in most years, but this season could be their best opportunity to get to the NBA Finals since their last trip in 2005. The Eastern Conference champions from the last two seasons, the Pacers and Celtics, are missing their star players this season after Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum both ruptured their Achilles in the 2025 playoffs.
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