Detroit ended a three-year drought with a win over the Celtics

The Detroit Pistons they continue to shake up history as the top team in the Eastern Conference. Their Monday night matchup against the Boston Celtics ended with a 112-105 victory. Not only did the Pistons earn their 21st win, but they secured their first win in Boston since February 2022.

Detroit got a little revenge afterward, too losing the last contest against Boston at the end of November. The Pistons blew a double-digit lead and ended their 13-game winning streak with the loss. Those mistakes were rectified on Monday with another strong complementary team performance, knocking off the Celtics.

This contest was another highly competitive matchup between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. There were seven ties and 15 lead changes throughout the game. Detroit outscored Boston by 11 points to take control of the lead and end the game.

The Pistons struggled against the Celtics’ perimeter shooting last time out as they knocked down 20 threes and shot 47% from deep. Detroit’s defense neutralized Boston’s identity as a high-volume 3-point team, limiting them to just 26% shooting from beyond the arc. The Pistons did a much better job of knocking down three-point shooters en route to their fourth straight win.

Detroit franchise quarterback Cade Cunningham continues to shine as an elite player in the fourth quarter. Cunningham finished with 32 points and 10 assists for the Pistons, but he put his stamp on the game as Detroit’s closer.

Cunningham scored nine points in the final period to help put the game away. The All-Star guard hit a 3-pointer and three mid-range jumpers to extend Detroit’s lead. His last shot over Celtics forward Derrick White was probably his biggest highlight with an impressive spin move and back hop. Cunningham wasn’t shy about explaining how much he enjoys these moments in his postgame chat with the media.

“I love this game. I love to play, I love to be out there, I love to have the ball in my hands. There’s nothing better than playing in a big environment in a big game and it has to be played,” Cunningham stated that Peacock analyst Austin Rivers. “I’m just enjoying the moment, taking my time, trusting my work, trusting my faith, and everything else will take care of itself.”

Strong bench play for the Pistons

The Pistons’ players have made a significant impact at times when the team needs them most this season. Detroit benefited from another quality performance from its second unit. The Pistons bench had 47 points compared to the Celtics’ 14. Their production made the biggest mark in the second half when the Pistons bench outscored the Celtics 27-5 to close out the game.

Forward Caris LeVert scored 13 points for the Pistons in 19 minutes. Sagittarius Poor Ivey contributed 10 points in his new role as a reserve. Forward Javonte Green put together one of the most important plays of the game with a steal and dunk over White to keep Detroit’s momentum together. Cunningham had high praise for the bench after the game.

“We’ve got a starter on the roster. We’ve got stars all over the team that are playing in their roles. Guys that come in and do their jobs better than anybody in the league. It’s fun to play with people who love their jobs and give it their all every time. That’s how we came in and won,” Cunningham said.