We can’t stop the Pistons: 11th straight win!

Certainly, the Hawks were greatly underrated, with three starters less, but the Pistons recorded their 11th straight win last night! Back to back, partners Cade Cunningham won 120-112 in Atlanta, and it all came down to the final quarter.

Before that, Detroit got off to a great start: 65% shooting, Jalen Duren’s racket dominance and an already established rhythm on both ends of the court. Atlanta pulled away though with Keaton Wallace’s 12-yard field goal to get back within 33–27 after twelve minutes.

Despite this small caveat, Detroit continues to thrive. Compact defense, clean execution, fluid ball circulation: The Pistons lead by 19 points, even if a Dyson Daniels poster wakes up State Farm Arena two minutes before halftime. Private Zaccharie Risacherhit in the hip, but also Tree Young and Kristaps Porzingis, the Hawks lead by 13 points at the break (67-54), and the returns of Cade Cunningham and Auzar Thompson emphasize the dominance of the Pistons.

Detroit pulls out of the deal in three minutes

After the break, Detroit was pleased to be able to build on this lead, and Thompson gave them a 16-point lead (94-78) at the very end of the 3rd quarter. And just when we think the evening is over, the Hawks will suddenly wake up. Visibly exhausted from the previous day’s matchup, Detroit fell apart: 2 of 11 to start the final act, offensive rebounds dropped, second chances offered … and the Hawks took advantage. A Dyson Daniels layup even puts Atlanta back up 99–98 and the room explodes.

Except that he acts as reinforcement for the Pistons, and in three minutes Jay Bickerstaff’s players kill the match. First it was Dennis Jenkins’ interception for a dunk in transition. Then a forced foul of 24 seconds, and
interception by Duncan Robinson. Behind is also this counter from Auzar Thompson on Jalen Johnson, then a new counter on Daniels. In contrast, the Hawks haven’t made a field goal on five straight possessions, and from +1 the gap widens to +9. Then we go into overtime and the Hawks would not recover, eventually losing 120-112, after a five-game winning streak.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

And 11! Leader of the Eastern Conference with 13 wins and 2 losses, the Pistons recorded their 11th straight victory, which has not happened to them since the 2007/08 season. They reached the conference finals that year.

Victory returns. We forget, but the Pistons have played three games without Cade Cunningham or Auzar Thompson. The former continued his good habits with 25 points and 10 assists, and his pace is outstanding. Coming off the bench, Thompson changed the course of the last quarter with his defensive activity.

The Hawks have nothing to be ashamed of. Deprived of three starters, Quin Snyder’s players continue to show good things, and Jaylen Johnson justifies the title of the best player of the week with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 7 points. On his side, Onieka Okongwu continues to surprise from long range: 4 of 7 from 3-point range!

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.