Despite the Detroit Pistons equalling their franchise record with 13 consecutive victories, Cade Cunningham believes there is room for improvement.
In a recent game against the Indiana Pacers, Cunningham scored 24 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and provided six assists. Caris LeVert contributed 19 points from the bench, helping Detroit secure a 122-117 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Pistons now hold a 15-2 record this season, leading the Eastern Conference. Their current winning streak matches the longest in their history, previously achieved by the championship-winning teams of 1990 and 2004. They have an opportunity to set a new record against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. However, Cunningham remains focused on performance rather than records.
Cunningham expressed dissatisfaction with their performance against Indiana, where they nearly squandered a 19-point lead. “It’s not like I’ve been saying, ‘I need to get the best winning streak in Pistons history.’ None of us have been thinking like that,” he stated. “We just want to be our best version of ourselves, and tonight was not the best version of us.”
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff echoed Cunningham’s sentiments about maintaining defensive intensity throughout games. “I would like for us to be greedier,” Bickerstaff said. He noted that lapses in defense during the third and fourth quarters allowed Indiana to close the gap significantly.
Bickerstaff emphasised that defense is central to their identity and success. “We allowed them to make a run,” he remarked. “Our defense is our identity. That’s when we’re at our best.” He stressed that maintaining this mindset is crucial for continued success.
Rick Carlisle, who coached Detroit before their 2004 title win, believes this team mirrors past successful Pistons squads. “This team has been built in a similar mode to the Bad Boy Pistons and then the Pistons of my era,” Carlisle said. He praised their physicality and depth as reflective of Detroit’s character.
Carlisle also commended head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and his staff for their work with the team. “They’ve got a great coach with J.B. and a great staff there,” he added. Carlisle is confident that Detroit is making a strong statement about their capabilities this season.
The Pistons aim to continue their impressive form while focusing on refining their game further. As they prepare for upcoming challenges, maintaining defensive discipline remains key to sustaining their success in this competitive season.