Detroit Pistons defy expectations with remarkable 12-game win streak
The Detroit Pistons are currently riding high with the longest winning streak in the NBA, having secured 12 consecutive victories. Despite this impressive feat, the Pistons find themselves ranked fourth in the latest power rankings compiled by NBA.com writer John Schuhmann.
Pistons’ resurgence fueled by star returns
Schuhmann acknowledged the team’s recent success while highlighting their growing health. “The Pistons have won 12 straight games and they’re now healthier than ever, with Jaden Ivey making his season debut and Tobias Harris returning from a nine-game absence over the weekend,” he noted. This newfound depth is crucial as the team has faced formidable opponents, playing against six of the nine Eastern Conference teams that currently boast winning records. The only exceptions are the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Toronto Raptors, with potential matchups on the horizon against the latter two set for January 5 and February 11.
However, the Pistons may face challenges ahead, particularly with a visit to Miami this Saturday, where they will encounter a rest disadvantage.
Stiff competition in the power rankings
Despite their stellar performance, the Pistons trail behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets in the power rankings. These teams have showcased their prowess in what many consider the more competitive Western Conference. The Pistons, however, are proving that they can hold their own on both ends of the court.
Schuhmann pointed out that “overall, the Pistons’ point differential (that of a 10-4 team) doesn’t quite match their record, but they’re now one of six teams that rank in the top 10 on both ends of the floor.” Their offensive efficiency has been particularly notable, ranking sixth during the win streak, highlighted by an effective field goal percentage of 73.1% in a recent game against the Milwaukee Bucks—the second-highest mark in franchise history over the last 31 years.
Navigating injuries and lineup changes
The Pistons’ journey through their winning streak has not been without its challenges. Several key players have dealt with injuries, necessitating contributions from the team’s depth. With Ivey and Harris back in the fold, the Pistons are faced with intriguing lineup decisions.
“The Pistons used 12 players in the first half in Milwaukee,” Schuhmann observed. “With Ivey and Harris making their returns, and players like Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, and Paul Reed stepping up during the winning streak, it will be interesting to see how the rotation eventually thins out.” One particular question looms: Will Ivey replace Duncan Robinson in the starting lineup? Robinson has excelled during the streak, shooting 43-for-91 (47%) from beyond the arc, yet the team has outscored opponents by only 4.8 points per 100 possessions during his 150 minutes shared with Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren.
Looking ahead for the Pistons
With their sights set on extending their streak to 13 games, the Pistons are gearing up for a matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Following this, they will head to TD Garden for a showdown with the Boston Celtics before returning home for a Black Friday NBA Cup game against the Orlando Magic. The Pistons are on a charge, and the league is watching closely to see how far they can take this momentum.
