Twelve games into the 2025–26 NBA season, the Detroit Pistons aren’t just winning — they’re controlling the Eastern Conference. Sitting at 10–2 with the longest active winning streak in the league at eight games, the Pistons hold a two-game cushion over the Cleveland Cavaliers for first place. It looks every bit like a team rewriting expectations.
This start is more than momentum from last season — it’s a statement. Throughout the summer, questions lingered about whether the Pistons could sustain their growth, replace key departures, and integrate their new additions without losing their identity. Twelve games in, those doubts feel distant. The chemistry is sharper, the roles are defined, and the team is playing with a confidence that reflects both maturity and purpose. So what’s fueling this surge, and how are the Pistons putting the league on notice? Let’s dive in.
Pistons Stars and Depth Lift Them to First Place In the East
Cade Cunningham’s MVP Rise Fuels Pistons’ First-Place Start
Coming into the season, expectations for Cade Cunningham were massive. After earning his first All-Star appearance and a Third-Team All-NBA nod last year , the question wasn’t whether he was great — it was whether he could get even better. Through his first 11 games, Cunningham hasn’t just met those expectations; he’s creating new ones.
His production has taken a clear leap. Cunningham’s scoring has climbed from 23.1 points to 27.5 per game compared to last season’s first 11 outings. He’s also playmaking at a higher level, jumping from 8.3 to 9.9 assists, while simultaneously cutting his turnovers from 4.7 to 3.6. Though his shooting percentages are slightly down (47% to 43.6% from the field and 35% to 28.8% from three), his overall command of the offense has never been stronger.
What stands out most is his leadership. Cunningham’s poise in high-pressure moments has become the Pistons’ backbone. When games tighten, he slows the pace, makes the right read, and elevates everyone around him. His 114 fourth-quarter points — the most in the NBA — speak directly to his clutch pedigree and his ability to close.
Jalen Duren Looks Like a Cornerstone
Jalen Duren entered the season with something to prove . After the Pistons chose not to offer him an extension, he set out to show he’s not just part of the Pistons’ long-term plans — he’s a cornerstone. Through 11 games, he’s delivering on that mission with force.
Known for his athleticism and paint dominance, Duren has expanded his game on both ends of the court. His scoring has surged from 8.1 points through the first 11 games last season to 19.4 per game this year, while his rebounding has climbed from 9.7 (3.3 offensive) to 12.0 (4.5 offensive). He’s not only finishing plays; he’s creating extra possessions and controlling the interior.
Defensively, Duren’s growth is just as evident. He’s averaging 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks, showing better positioning, timing, and discipline. This is the breakout Pistons fans hoped for — a two-way force emerging perfectly as Detroit begins its rise.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
One of the biggest reasons behind the Pistons’ first-place start is the impact of its supporting cast . Contenders need their stars to shine, but they also need their role players to punch above their weight. The Pistons are getting that nightly — and then some.
Duncan Robinson has rediscovered his shooting touch, providing badly-needed spacing after many questioned his fit. Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed are forming what might be the strongest center rotation in the league, blending toughness, mobility, and defensive versatility. Ron Holland constantly pops up in winning plays, whether it’s a rebound, a deflection, or a timely bucket. And Daniss Jenkins has taken full advantage of increased minutes, proving his rise is no fluke.
Factor in Caris LeVert , who’s still settling into his role, and the Pistons suddenly boast one of the deepest, most dynamic supporting casts in the NBA. This group isn’t just filling gaps — they’re helping set the tone for a team playing with confidence, cohesion, and edge.
The Last Word
Twelve games in, the message is clear: this isn’t a fluke — it’s a foundation. The Pistons are blending star power, player development, and bench depth in a way that mirrors how genuine contenders are built. Cunningham is closing games like a superstar. Duren is emerging as the interior anchor they envisioned. The supporting cast is giving the Pistons their edge, identity, and stability.
If this is the early version of the 2025–26 Pistons, imagine what they look like when fully healthy and fully synced. The league is starting to take notice — and the Pistons are giving them every reason to.
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