The Detroit Pistons have opened the first month of the 2025-26 season with nine consecutive victories, vaulting past preseason Eastern Conference favorites Cleveland and New York and posting a stronger record than both clubs.
Only two years ago, Detroit was mired in a historically poor campaign. The franchise flipped the script last season under new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, reaching the playoffs without a play-in appearance before bowing out to the Knicks in the first round.
Entering this year, most projections placed the Cavaliers and Knicks atop the conference. Four weeks in, the Pistons have dropped just two games—one of them to Cleveland—while stringing together the league’s current longest winning streak.
Third-year guard Cade Cunningham, who earned his first All-Star nod last season, has thrust himself into early MVP discussions. The former No. 1 pick is among the league leaders in fourth-quarter scoring and continues to anchor Detroit’s late-game offense.
Center Jalen Duren, a restricted free agent next summer, has boosted his production on both ends, while second-year wing Ausar Thompson contributes across the box score as a defensive stopper and secondary ballhandler. Forward Ron Holland supplies steady bench minutes, and reserve big man Isaiah Stewart remains one of the NBA’s top interior defenders.
Veteran presence comes from Tobias Harris and offseason additions Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert, who add perimeter shooting and leadership. Depth has been a hallmark: with the regular starting five resting on Wednesday, Detroit still defeated Chicago behind veteran big Paul Reed and two-way guard Daniss Jenkins. Jenkins and under-the-radar pickup Javonte Green then keyed an NBA Cup win over Philadelphia on Friday, pushing the win streak to nine.
The backcourt could receive another boost next month, when projected starter Jaden Ivey is expected to return from a knee injury, bringing additional speed and playmaking.
While Detroit ranks middle of the pack in overall shooting, the club compensates with top-tier defensive numbers, including strong metrics in opponent field-goal percentage, turnovers forced and blocked shots.
Source: Hoops Rumors
