Detroit Pistons: 9 straight wins without their stars, beat 76ers

Detroit Pistons Extend Winning Streak to Nine Games

The Detroit Pistons, leaders of the Eastern Conference, have extended their winning streak to nine games, the longest since the 2007-08 season. This victory was achieved on Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 114-105. The Pistons (11-2) faced the challenge without the presence of their star guard Cade Cunningham, who missed his second consecutive game due to a hip contusion suffered on Monday. In addition, starters Jalen Duren (ankle), Tobias Harris (ankle), and Ausar Thompson (ankle) were also absent. Jaden Ivey has yet to debut this season, recovering from a knee procedure performed in the preseason. Isaiah Stewart returned after missing three games due to a sprained ankle, recording 14 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes. The Pistons held the 76ers to only 15 points in the final quarter, after being down by 12 in the third quarter. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff highlighted the team’s seriousness in the NBA Cup.

It doesn’t surprise me. They have an aggressiveness. That’s the fun part of our group. They like it when it gets difficult. They like it when it gets complicated and ugly. We like to take people there. We like to push people’s buttons and see how they respond.
J.B. Bickerstaff

Instead of Cunningham, it was guard Daniss Jenkins, on a two-way contract, who made a buzzer-beating three-pointer from beyond half-court to end the third quarter, giving the Pistons hope and bringing them within two points. This was one of his 17 three-pointers, the most of the season, with a shooting percentage above 41 percent. From there, they dominated the final quarter, beating the 76ers twice in the last six days. Jenkins finished with 19 points and eight assists in 35 minutes, in a constant duel with All-Star guard and also Dallas native, Tyrese Maxey (31 points, seven rebounds). The 76ers also suffered the absences of Joel Embiid (right knee discomfort) and Paul George, who continues to recover from surgery on his left knee. Jenkins also hit a three-pointer from the corner to send Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards into overtime. The player scored 24 points on Monday and, the next day against Chicago, finished with 18 points and 12 assists.