Detroit Pistons Match Franchise Record with 13 Consecutive Wins
The Detroit Pistons have achieved a remarkable milestone, tying their franchise record with 13 consecutive victories following a 122-117 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. This impressive streak puts the current team in the company of two legendary Pistons squads – the 1990 and 2004 teams – both of which went on to win NBA championships. Those historic teams were led by basketball icons like Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars in 1990, and Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace in 2004. Now, the 2025-26 Pistons, with young stars Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren at the helm, have improved to an outstanding 15-2 record, establishing themselves as serious contenders in the league.
The victory against the Pacers showcased the Pistons’ talented core, with Cunningham delivering a stellar performance of 24 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Duren contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds. After the game, Cunningham expressed his pride in the achievement: “It’s amazing. We play for the Detroit Pistons, man. A historic franchise. So to be able to make history for a historic franchise like this — it’s special.” His words reflect not just personal satisfaction but a deep appreciation for the legacy they’re now part of, connecting today’s success with the storied history of one of basketball’s most iconic organizations.
What makes this winning streak even more remarkable is the dramatic turnaround from the Pistons’ recent struggles. Just two seasons ago, the team started with a dismal 3-36 record in 2023-24, representing one of the lowest points in franchise history. The transformation since then has been nothing short of extraordinary, largely attributed to the development of young talent acquired through the draft and the leadership of experienced head coach JB Bickerstaff. This combination has proven to be the perfect recipe for success, turning what was recently one of the league’s worst teams into a powerhouse that’s now matching records set by championship squads.
Despite the celebration surrounding their achievement, Cunningham demonstrated the team’s commitment to excellence by pointing out areas for improvement. The Pistons had built an 18-point lead against Indiana but allowed the Pacers to mount a comeback that made the final moments more tense than necessary. “We shouldn’t have allowed them to get back into the game like that,” Cunningham noted. “So watch the film, be sick about the film, but work from it, learn from it and get better.” This critical self-assessment shows the maturity and championship mentality developing within this young team, suggesting they’re not just satisfied with winning streaks but are focused on building sustainable excellence.
The Pistons now face a golden opportunity to make franchise history when they take on the Boston Celtics in an NBA Cup game on Wednesday night. A victory would push them to 14 consecutive wins, setting a new franchise record and further cementing this team’s place in Pistons lore. The matchup against the Celtics, traditionally one of the Eastern Conference’s elite teams, will provide a true test of Detroit’s championship aspirations and reveal whether they have the mettle to surpass even the accomplishments of their title-winning predecessors.
The resurgence of the Detroit Pistons represents one of the most compelling narratives in the current NBA season. From the depths of basketball despair to challenging franchise records set by championship teams, the journey reflects the potential of well-executed rebuilding strategies in professional sports. With young stars performing at elite levels, experienced coaching providing direction, and a winning culture taking root, the Pistons have transformed from league laughingstock to legitimate contenders in remarkably short order. As they stand on the precipice of franchise history, fans and analysts alike are beginning to wonder if this team might eventually join their 1990 and 2004 counterparts not just in winning streaks, but in bringing championship glory back to Detroit.
