The NBA’s early-season storylines continued to shift over the weekend, with Detroit climbing to the top of the Eastern Conference, Minnesota extending its winning streak and Chicago struggling to halt a mounting run of losses.
Pistons remember hard times while winning close games
Detroit’s roster still carries the sting of a 28-game losing streak that ended two seasons ago, guard Cade Cunningham said. Now, with the Pistons sitting first in the East, Cunningham emphasized that the team has not forgotten those nights.
“So many long car rides, long nights thinking about what could’ve happened different,” he told the Detroit Free Press. “That stuff lives with you. I carry it on the court. We all do.”
Detroit’s last seven contests have all been decided by six points or fewer, and the Pistons are 4-3 in that span. Cunningham pointed to hustle plays as the difference. “A loose ball with a minute and a half left—this year we’re coming up with it,” he said. “In the past we don’t.”
McDaniels adds offense to elite defense in Minnesota
Jaden McDaniels poured in 27 points during Saturday’s win over the Clippers, helping the Timberwolves secure their fifth straight victory. The forward is averaging a career-best 16.0 points per game and is shooting 48.5 percent from beyond the arc.
McDaniels credited offseason workouts with Kawhi Leonard for his improved poise. “Just not letting the defense speed you up,” he said via The Athletic. “Play at your pace.”
Teammate Donte DiVincenzo noted the two-way impact. “Sometimes we need a spark. Sometimes we need steadiness. He’s been delivering whatever the moment calls for,” DiVincenzo said.
Bulls’ promising start unravels amid injuries and turnovers
The Bulls dropped their seventh consecutive game Sunday, a 32-point defeat to a Golden State squad missing Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The Warriors scored 38 points in the first quarter and dominated the boards.
Head coach Billy Donovan said Chicago’s identity has been tested by injuries. “With the injuries, responsibilities have changed,” he explained to the Chicago Sun-Times. “But we still have to hold true to how we’re supposed to play. Turnovers and ball-handling have really hurt us.”
After a 5-0 start, Chicago stands 9-14 and 11th in the East. Guard Coby White maintained that the locker room remains united. “We’ve got to do it together. I’ve been here a long time, seen a lot. The most important thing is we stick together. It’s still a long season,” he said.
Source: Hoops Wire
