The Detroit Pistons celebrated a much-needed win, breaking their 28-game losing streak with a narrow 129-127 victory over a depleted Toronto Raptors team during Saturday’s NBA action.
This win on Saturday night was a significant moment for the Pistons, who hadn’t tasted victory since October 28. Their losing streak had tied the NBA record held by the 2014-15 and 2015-16 Philadelphia 76ers and was just one game short of the longest losing streak in major North American professional sports.
Cade Cunningham was the star of the night, delivering a remarkable performance with 30 points and 12 assists. His contributions were crucial in leading Detroit to this long-awaited win.
“I feel amazing,” Cunningham said. “We just kept battling. It’s been a long stretch, all these losses, but I’m just happy to be part of a group of guys who don’t quit.”
Jalen Duren also made significant contributions with 18 points and 17 rebounds, while Kevin Knox II added 17 points to the team’s total. Pascal Siakam stood out for the Raptors with an impressive 35 points, and Dennis Schroder added 28 points. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the determined Pistons.
“It was a very emotional day for everyone,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “I’m really proud of the energy our guys had, taking everything into account.
“I also don’t want to take anything away from what Detroit did. They played a really good game and hit some very, very timely shots.”
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Toronto was notably handicapped, having traded key players OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks earlier that day. Acquisitions RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley were unavailable to play in this game.
The Pistons led by four points at the start of the fourth quarter and managed to maintain their lead, thanks in part to timely three-pointers from Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Despite a spirited attempt at a comeback by Toronto, including a late three-pointer by Gary Trent Jr., the Pistons secured their victory from the free-throw line.
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This win was a significant morale booster for the Pistons, with coach Monty Williams describing the locker room atmosphere as one of almost tearful joy and relief.
“I’ve been in a ton of locker rooms my whole life, but that’s a first for me,” Pistons coach Monty Williams said. “Guys were screaming. I was almost in tears. I’m just so happy for our guys and for everyone in the locker room.”
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On the other hand, the Raptors, who had scored 83 points in the second half compared to just 44 in the first, will be looking to bounce back in their next game.
“I challenged both (Siakam) and Scottie at halftime,” Rajakovic said. “I told them that we needed more from them in the second half, and they both did a really good job.”
Looking ahead, the Raptors will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, while the Pistons will face the Houston Rockets on the same night.
