The Detroit Pistons saw their 13-game winning streak stop one victory short of a franchise record on November 26, falling 117-114 to the Celtics in Boston during NBA Cup play. Despite the loss, Detroit sits at 15-3, tops in the Eastern Conference and second overall in the league.
Guard Cade Cunningham said the team never focused on the streak itself. “We wanted to find our way to the top of the league. We’ve seen the bottom of the league before,” he explained earlier in the week. “This isn’t what we were going for; we still have bigger things to do.”
Detroit entered the night with the NBA’s third-ranked defense and contributions across the roster. Forward Isaiah Stewart noted the turnaround from the club’s difficult 2023/24 campaign, when the Pistons finished with the league’s worst record before reaching the playoffs last spring. “We were the laughingstocks, and now that the tables have turned, everybody wants to be on this side,” Stewart said. “All we’re doing is keeping our heads down and taking it day by day.”
Pacers’ McConnell Working Back to Form
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell has appeared in seven games since returning from a strained hamstring suffered in the team’s first preseason outing. McConnell told The Indianapolis Star that rebuilding stamina has been tougher than expected. “I’ve never hurt a muscle before, so the process getting back has been more difficult than I anticipated in terms of my wind and my legs,” he said, adding that his rhythm is beginning to return.
Bucks Still Without Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks ruled Giannis Antetokounmpo out shortly before tip-off of their NBA Cup matchup in Miami, marking his fourth consecutive absence because of a low-grade groin strain. The two-time MVP had been listed as questionable.
Porter Assigned to G League
Milwaukee also sent Kevin Porter Jr. to the Wisconsin Herd as he continues rehab from meniscus surgery. The Herd are idle until Sunday, so Porter is expected to practice with the affiliate before seeing game action.
Source: HoopsRumors
