The Detroit Pistons are heading into the All-Star break with an accomplishment they haven’t achieved in 16 years. With their commanding 132-92 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, they secured a winning record at the break for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
The star of the game—and perhaps the season—was Malik Beasley . In just 16 minutes of action, Beasley poured in 24 points, connecting on seven three-pointers. It was the sixth time he’s hit seven or more in a game this season. Not only did Beasley break the Pistons’ single-season three-point record (previously held by Saddiq Bey with 211 in 2021-22), but he also became just the sixth player in NBA history to hit 200+ three-pointers in four consecutive seasons.
Beasley’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. After limited interest during the offseason, he signed a one-year deal with the Pistons—a move that has turned out to be one of the best acquisitions of the summer. His seamless fit with Detorit raises an intriguing question: could this be the beginning of a long-term partnership?
Malik Beasley Makes Pistons and NBA History With New Records
Beasley and the Pistons: A Perfect Match on the Rise
One of the biggest issues for the Pistons last season was their lack of consistent three-point shooting. Addressing that weakness became a top priority for president Trajan Langdon. Enter Beasley—one of the NBA’s most reliable long-range shooters—who was available at just the right time.
From day one, Beasley embraced his role as a scorer off the bench. Even when opportunities arose due to Jaden Ivey’s season-ending injury, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff kept Beasley in the sixth-man/occasional-starter role. The results have been impressive, with Beasley making an impact offensively.
In 12 starts this season , Beasley is averaging 20.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 4.7 3s. His most recent start against the Philadelphia 76ers was a masterclass, as he dropped 36 points to make up for the absence of Cade Cunningham . Meanwhile, in 42 games off the bench , Beasley is averaging 15.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Beasley’s game fits perfectly with both starters and the second unit, providing crucial versatility for the Pistons’ success.
Buying Into The Pistons’ New Culture
For the past 15 years, conversations about Pistons basketball often focused on failure. You heard about the 28-game losing streak, the 68-loss season, and the franchise’s role as the punchline for losing. With only one winning season and two playoff appearances over that span, Detroit became known as a team where unwanted players landed or others chased big contracts without the pressure of expectations. But this year feels different. This season is about rewriting the narrative, and Beasley has been at the center of that transformation.
At the start of the year, many dismissed the Pistons as one of the worst teams despite expectations for improvement. Beasley could’ve seen Detroit as a temporary stop, a way to showcase his skills until a contender came calling at the trade deadline. Instead, he made it clear early on that he wanted to stay.
In an era where players rarely express loyalty to struggling teams, Beasley did just that. He embraced not only the Pistons’ blue-collar, gritty style on the court but also the heart and soul of the city of Detroit itself. Beasley doesn’t just want to win games—he wants to help restore the Pistons’ culture and build something lasting.
The Last Word
Beasley’s impact on the Pistons has been undeniable. From breaking records on the court to helping change the perception of a long-struggling franchise, he has become more than just a sharpshooter—he’s a leader and a symbol of what the new team represents. His willingness to stay, fight, and help restore the Pistons’ culture is exactly what this team and city needed.
As the Pistons continue their upward trajectory, Beasley’s role in their resurgence will be remembered as the turning point. Now, the question is whether he fits with their future but how big a part he’ll be. If this season is any indication, Beasley and the Pistons are just getting started.
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