The Detroit Pistons are doing precisely what a winning team is supposed to do. Their 134-106 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night was another statement win, kicking off their road trip on a high note. Cade Cunningham led the way with 29 points and nine assists, while Jalen Duren delivered a strong performance with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks.
The Pistons have won 10 of their last 11 games, outscoring opponents by 179 points in those victories. Their 35-27 record is the best since 2007-08 when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals. While returning to that stage might still be ambitious, this season’s progress gives fans plenty of reasons to believe.
Notably, the Pistons have already won 18 games by 10 or more points this season, on pace to surpass the 20 wins they amassed over the past three seasons combined. Can the Pistons sustain their momentum and establish themselves as a legitimate threat during this road trip?
Is the Pistons Threat Real? Discover at Your Own Risk
The Pistons’ Threat Fueled by a Favorable Schedule
A good team beats the opponents it’s better than, and the Pistons have done that—and more. In their 10 victories, they’ve taken care of business against weaker competition. Excluding wins against the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics, the other eight teams they defeated have a combined record of 149-278.
Capitalizing on a favorable schedule has been key for the Pistons this season. They navigated their most extended road trip in December and faced many formidable opponents early on. Despite challenging games ahead, beating lower-ranked teams is precisely what good teams do to stay competitive.
Can They Sustain It?
This is the time of year when you want to play your best basketball—and the Pistons are doing just that. They are just a game out of the fourth seed as they battle division rivals like the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks. When you win, the opponent doesn’t matter because you believe you can beat them.
The Pistons’ goal this season was straightforward: improvement. Whether it meant winning five or ten more games, they focused on building an identity they could develop. Now, the goal has shifted to securing home-court advantage in the playoffs. The Pistons have established a rugged style, and opponents know they will face a significant challenge.
Gone are the days of questioning whether they belong. The Pistons have arrived—and they’re determined to prove it. If the Eastern Conference favorites don’t take the Pistons seriously, their playoff opportunities could quickly disappear.
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons are proving they’re more than just a team on the rise—they’re a legitimate threat. By capitalizing on a favorable schedule, taking care of business against weaker opponents, and playing their best basketball at the right time, the Pistons have positioned themselves as a serious threat to whoever they play. With a clear identity built on toughness and growing confidence, they’ve shown they belong in the playoff conversation.
As they continue their push for home-court advantage, the message is clear: underestimate them at your own risk. If the favorites don’t take the Pistons seriously as a threat, their playoff opportunities could vanish quickly. This season, the Pistons have focused on proving a point—and they aren’t done yet.
Photo credit: © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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