Motor City Resilience: Gutsy Pistons Overcome Injuries for Ninth Straight Win
DETROIT, MI — Listen, I’m not going to tell you that I knew this team was this resilient, but good lord, they are doing things that just can’t be explained. Call it toughness, call it culture, call it whatever you want — but the Detroit Pistons aren’t blinking. Even with half their rotation in street clothes, Detroit delivered another gritty masterpiece on Friday night, outlasting the Philadelphia 76ers 114–105 at Little Caesars Arena.
This wasn’t just a win.
This was nine straight — the Pistons’ longest streak since 2008 — and it came in an NBA Cup game, against a conference rival, with Detroit running on duct tape, heart, and hustle. Now 10–2 on the season, the Pistons continue to sit atop the Eastern Conference, and the rest of the league can feel the pressure building in the Motor City.
🏀 Pistons Stat Capsule
Result: Pistons 114, 76ers 105 — Ninth straight win
Record: Detroit 10–2 (NBA Cup W)
Top Performers: Javonte Green — 21 pts • Daniss Jenkins — 19 pts • Robinson — 15 pts
Key Injury Absences: Cunningham, Harris, Thompson, Duren
Next Up: Pacers at Pistons — Monday, Little Caesars Arena
A Tale of Two Halves — and a Half-Court Miracle
Detroit looked sharp early, taking a 63–54 halftime lead thanks to red-hot shooting from Javonte Green and Duncan Robinson. But things turned around quickly. Philadelphia started the third quarter on a 14–0 run, capitalizing on five quick Pistons turnovers while Detroit’s offense stalled completely. Suddenly, the Sixers led by as many as 12, and the guy sitting next to me in the restaurant, where I was watching the game, just shook his head and said “game over.”
Now, I’m not sure how big of a Pistons fan he was, or how many games he’s watched, but I just shook my head and thought to myself, “Hmm, we’ll see about that.” You see, I’ve watched just about every game this season, and one thing I know for sure: don’t count these Pistons out—ever.
Enter Daniss Jenkins — and his magic.
With the third-quarter buzzer about to sound, Jenkins heaved a 55-footer from midcourt… banked it in, and blew the roof off Little Caesars Arena. That shot didn’t just cut the deficit — it snapped Detroit out of its funk.
The Pistons harnessed that adrenaline into a dominating fourth quarter, starting with a 10–2 run and taking a lead they would never surrender. The defense tightened, ball movement improved, and Detroit finished with the confidence of a team that believes no matter what challenges they face, they’ll persevere.
Unsung Heroes Deliver Center Stage Performances
With Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren all sidelined, Detroit needed role players to elevate — and they did exactly that.
- Javonte Green was everywhere, pouring in 21 points and bringing relentless energy.
- Daniss Jenkins backed up his miracle shot with a full 19-point performance.
- Duncan Robinson added 15, stretching the floor with veteran composure.
- Isaiah Stewart and Caris LeVert each chipped in 14, keeping the offense balanced and steady.
On the other side, Tyrese Maxey was sensational with 31 points, but without Joel Embiid, the Sixers simply didn’t have the firepower to match Detroit’s collective surge.
Every time I watch Maxey play, I always come away feeling that this guy is some special kind of player. He is a tremendous talent, and can you imagine him paired with Cade? I know it will never happen, but one can only dream.
By the Numbers
Detroit continues to build a résumé that feels very real:
- 118.5 points per game entering the matchup
- +3 rebounding edge on the season
- 10.4 steals per game, top-tier disruption
- 9–0 record in their last nine games, despite major injuries
Friday’s win underscored a crucial truth: this team’s strength is deeper than any one player. It’s a system. It’s a culture. And right now, it’s rolling.
Looking Ahead
The Pistons will chase win No. 10 in a row on Monday night when the Indiana Pacers come to town. Detroit will hope for good news on the injury front, but if Friday proved anything, it’s that this team can beat you in more than one way — and with more than one lineup.
Something special is brewing in Detroit. And with each passing night, the league is getting a clearer look at just how dangerous this group might be.
Daniss Jenkins has been a godsend for the Piston so far. Can you think of another athlete in Detroit, on any team, who came mostly out of nowhere to light a spark and perform at a level no expected?
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Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted Michigan outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
