Isn’t it ironic that the Detroit Pistons are on a winning streak, and the Detroit Red Wings have lost their last six games? It is kind of odd, but it’s what’s going down right now in the Motor City. I cover Detroit sports, and it’s a whirlwind experience following these teams right now. I’m mainly a Detroit Lions and Pistons fan, so I’m really happy to see the Pistons have this last bit of wind going into the end of their season.

Detroit Pistons Are Catching Heat – The Good Kind

Listen. I get the emails from people who wonder why I love the Pistons, especially this year. We’ve lost more than 50 games. But, people seem to be forgetting that the Pistons have been at the bottom of the NBA for several years, and we have to give new head coach Monty Williams a chance to turn things around. He hasn’t even been with the Pistons a year, and people are already ready to move on. That would be the stupidest move, in my opinion. Williams has experience from coaching the Phoenix Suns and getting them to the playoffs. Like with the Pistons, he inherited that team when it was on the decline. So, I trust in Williams’ coaching abilities.

One more thing about Williams. He respects the players. I can tell in post-game press conferences that he looks at them as equals. He’s even mentioned that players here and there have asked to make calls on the court that go against Williams’ plays, and Williams has let them do it. I absolutely love to see that kind of respect between a coach and his players. That’s one reason people want to play for Williams, and that’s why he’s going to continue to bring good talent into Detroit.

Now, let’s look at how the Pistons have done the past few games. They just won two back-to-back games at home this week. It’s something that seemed impossible at the start of the season. Williams and company made a smart move by bringing in forward Simone Fontecchio late in the season. He was with the Utah Jazz for two years, and Williams saw something in Fontecchio that he felt would help the Pistons, so he brought him on. He was right. The team’s record has improved since Fontecchio has joined the fold, and the chemistry is a lot better, too.

The Pistons’ roster is really looking good towards the end of the season, when you look at the team’s healthy players available. Top names include Fontecchio, Jalen Duren, Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, among others. If Detroit can keep this talent, and keep them healthy, they should be a contender in the 2024-25 season.

Breaking Records

Cunningham has been breaking many records in the NBA as of late, including reaching 1,200 points and 400 assists on the season in 54 games. He surpassed the great Isaiah Thomas with those numbers. That happened earlier this week.

Now, Duren has also broken some records. During Wednesday’s 113-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors on at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, the center finished with 24 points on 8-for-9 shooting from the floor, as well as with 23 rebounds and five assists. That’s his third 20-point and 20-rebound game this year, which is the most in the NBA by any player.

“What I’ve told him is when he puts in the consistent work, he cannot take nights like this for granted, but he puts himself in a position to have nights like this,” Williams said regarding Duren after Wednesday’s win. “And he’s been diligent. I forget which game it was, but he just didn’t feel good about his performance… ever since then, he’s had a different, elevated focus in the practices we’ve had.”

So, watch out for the Detroit Pistons. They’re getting hot. Hopefully this is a taste of what’s to come next season.