THE Detroit Pistons might solely progress after enduring one of many worst seasons within the historical past of the game final yr.
Nevertheless, nobody might have predicted how a lot they’d have modified the state of affairs.
The Pistons are 10-2 total since Dec. 21 and have two video games over .500 (21-19) earlier than the season’s midpoint, which is Thursday once they host the Indiana Pacers. Solely 4 groups have double-digit wins throughout this stretch, and the opposite three – the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets – are all championship contenders.
It is a team-wide effort, led by Cade Cunningham. Fourth-year guard and former No. 1 decide performs like an All-Staraveraging 24.5 factors, 6.6 rebounds and 9.4 assists per recreation whereas capturing 38.2% from 3.
Cunningham joined “NBA Right this moment” on ESPN on Wednesday, an indication that the NBA neighborhood is beginning to discover the Pistons’ rise, and mentioned his season and the Pistons’ enchancment. He admitted he was having “by far” probably the most enjoyable he is had in his profession.
“I’ve received extra video games this yr than in all probability every other season already, and we’re midway by means of the yr.
“It’s all concerning the particulars,” he stated. “There have been a variety of occasions final yr the place the ball simply did not bounce as a result of we did not execute the little issues. However this yr I believe there is a completely different consideration to element , a distinct intention in the way in which we exit and our way of thinking earlier than every match.
“Profitable is clearly why we play, so each evening we will compete to win. However sticking to the sport plan, greater than something.”
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Cunningham attributes the workforce’s improved chemistry to the addition of veterans Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr., who supplied spacing on the ground whereas stabilizing the workforce within the locker room.
“It’s superior,” Cunningham stated. “We had some nice veterans this yr and the power was simply completely different having guys with expertise who know how one can win video games to return in and assist the younger core we had that was simply attempting to determine it out.
“It has been a variety of enjoyable. I believe we simply have a pure mix and pure chemistry between us and it exhibits an increasing number of on the court docket the extra we play collectively.”
He rose to the forefront of the All-Star dialog because the Pistons piled up the wins. Cunningham is coming off two of his greatest performances, scoring 36 to guide Pistons over Knicks at Madison Sq. Backyard on Monday and totaling a triple-double (23 factors, 17 assists, 10 rebounds) in a house victory in opposition to the Toronto Raptors.
“I undoubtedly really feel like (an All-Star), that’s for positive,” he stated. “I’ll get every part I need so long as we proceed to win video games, so we’re midway by means of the yr and I wish to proceed to win video games, a playoff sequence, and I believe every part else will decide how It’s purported to be.”
This text was initially printed on Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Pistons’ actual risk and the NBA neighborhood is taking discover
