Are the Pistons for Real? Gritty Win in Philly Pushes Streak to Six
Detroit basketball is officially back — and the Detroit Pistons’ winning streak is proof. On the road in Philly, a short-handed Pistons squad showed guts, poise, and a whole lot of heart, grinding out a 111-108 win over the 76ers. That’s six straight wins and an 8-2 record, the franchise’s best start since the Goin’ to Work era. This team isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore — they’re here, they’re legit, and they’re sitting atop the Eastern Conference with something to say about it.
This isn’t just a lucky stretch — this is a young team finding its identity. They’re gritty, resilient, and winning games the hard way, even when the odds aren’t in their favor. Beating the Sixers in their own building — even without Joel Embiid — still means something. That’s a statement win, and it’s got the rest of the league starting to pay attention to what’s happening in Detroit.
MotorCade in High Gear, Duren Dominates the Paint
Once again, this one started and ended with Cade Cunningham. The man is playing like an All-Star, plain and simple. He ran the show with total command — 26 points, 11 assists, and a handful of cold-blooded buckets when it mattered most. Late in the fourth, when Philly tried to make their run, Cade slammed the door shut with the calm of a ten-year vet. That’s leadership. That’s growth.
And right beside him, Jalen Duren was a monster in the paint. With Embiid out, Duren went to work — 21 points, 16 rebounds, and complete control of the interior. He bullied the glass, finished through contact, and anchored the defense like a grown man. The Cade-Duren combo is becoming the heartbeat of this team — and the chemistry’s getting scarier by the game.
Duncan Robinson chipped in 17 points, doing exactly what Detroit brought him here to do: hit timely shots, spread the floor, and steady the offense. His shooting has quietly been a huge part of this hot start, and he continues to be a reliable voice on a young roster still learning how to win.
For Philly, Ty
Banged Up But Not Beaten
What makes this stretch even more impressive is who wasn’t on the floor. The Pistons are winning shorthanded — plain and simple. Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart both sat with ankle sprains, Jaden Ivey, Colby Jones, and Marcus Sasser were all out, and even Caris LeVert played through knee soreness. That’s half your rotation, gone.
Winning on the road in the NBA is hard. Winning on the road with that kind of injury list? That’s special. Every night, someone new steps up. That’s not luck — that’s culture. You can see it in the way they communicate, how they huddle up after big plays, how they celebrate defensive stops. This group believes in each other, and that’s the foundation of every good team that’s ever come through Detroit.
Philly’s Top Contributors: Maxey Shines, Walker Steps Up
Credit where it’s due — the Sixers didn’t go quietly. Tyrese Maxey was electric all night, pouring in 33 points and adding seven assists as he tried to drag Philadelphia back into it. His burst off the dribble gave Detroit fits at times, especially in transition. Jabari Walker also made his presence felt early, knocking down big shots and finishing with 12 points in the first half before the Pistons’ defense tightened up. Even in defeat, Maxey’s performance was a reminder that Philly still has a star capable of taking over games — he just ran into a team that’s red-hot right now.
Looking Ahead: Hoops for Troops Night vs. the Wizards
The Pistons won’t have much time to enjoy this one. They’re flying back home for a quick turnaround against the Washington Wizards tonight at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m. tip). And it’s not just any night — it’s Hoops for Troops Night, one of the best traditions in the league. The Pistons, the NBA, and military partners will come together to honor service members, veterans, and their families. Expect a packed house and a special kind of energy inside the building.
The Wizards are hungry to spoil the party, but this Detroit team feels locked in. Focused. Mature beyond its years. Extending the streak to seven games and defending home court would make another statement — that this early-season surge isn’t a fluke. It’s a warning. The Detroit Pistons are here to stay.
It appears this Cunningham—Duren thing is REAL. Do you think the have a chance to become one of the all-time great duos in NBA history? Comment below or head on over to the Pistons Hardwood Hub for more discussion.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted Michigan outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
