Detroit Pistons Dodge a Bullet In Indy, Tie Franchise Record With 13th Straight Win

The Detroit Pistons, who looked like they were going to cruise to a historic victory, suddenly found themselves in a dogfight against a scrappy Indiana Pacers team that simply refused to go down. But when the dust settled at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pistons walked away with a 122-117 victory, their 13th in a row, tying a franchise record that has stood for over two decades.

This streak isn’t just a number; it’s a statement. The last time the Pistons won 13 straight was during the 2003-04 season—a little campaign that ended with them hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Before that? You have to go back to the “Bad Boys” era in 1990. Yeah, that’s the kind of company this young squad is keeping right now.

But man, they had to earn it. After building a lead that ballooned to as many as 19 points, it felt like the Pistons took their foot off the gas, and the Pacers floored it.

Fourth-Quarter Drama and a Clutch Cunningham Finish

You could feel the collective gasp from Pistons fans everywhere as the clock wound down. The once-comfortable lead had evaporated. When Indiana’s Isaiah Jackson muscled his way to an and-one basket with just 49 seconds left on the clock, the Pacers were suddenly breathing down Detroit’s neck, trailing by only two points at 117-115. The home crowd was roaring, the momentum had completely shifted, and it felt like the Pistons’ historic run was about to come to a screeching halt.

But that’s when your franchise player steps up. On the very next possession, with the game hanging in the balance, Cade Cunningham showed why he’s the leader of this team. He calmly dribbled to his spot, rose up, and buried a clutch mid-range jumper that was pure ice. It was the bucket that stopped the bleeding and effectively sealed the win, allowing every Pistons fan to finally exhale.

Cunningham was the engine all night, finishing with a masterful line of 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. He controlled the pace, made the right plays, and when his team needed him most, he delivered.

Key Performances That Fueled the Win

While Cunningham played the hero, he had plenty of help. Caris LeVert, facing his former team, clearly had a little extra motivation. He came off the bench on fire, tying his season-high with 19 points on an efficient 5-of-9 shooting, including three huge three-pointers that kept the Pacers at bay earlier in the game.

And how about Jaden Ivey? In just his second game back from injury, he looked explosive. In a blistering 11-minute stretch, Ivey poured in 12 points, showing off the speed and scoring punch that Detroit has been missing. His performance off the bench was a massive boost and a terrifying glimpse for the rest of the league of what this backcourt can do when fully healthy.

For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam did everything he could to play spoiler, leading his team with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Youngster Jarace Walker also had a strong showing with 21 points, giving the Pistons’ defense fits.

But in the end, it wasn’t enough. The Pistons weathered the storm, made the big plays when it mattered, and found a way to win—the true hallmark of a team that’s building something special. They didn’t just win a game; they survived it, and in doing so, etched their names alongside some of the greatest teams in franchise history. Now, the question is, can they make the record all their own?