Detroit makes history not seen since 2008 with a win over the 76ers

The Detroit Pistons showed no signs of slowing down, overcoming injuries to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114–105 and extend their winning streak to nine games, their longest journey as of February 2008, Detroit improved to 11–2 overall and 2–0 in NBA Cup play.

The Pistons entered the night without Cade Cunningham (hip), Jalen Duren (ankle)Tobias Harris (ankle), Ausar Thompson (ankle), Jaden Ivey (knee) and Marcus Sasser (hip). Still, the team made the most of its depleted roster as six players reached double figures, led by Javonte Green’s 21 points and nine rebounds. Dennis Jenkins, thriving again in an expanded role, had 19 points and eight assists, shooting five of eight from deep, including a late third-quarter layup that cut a 12-point deficit to two.

Duncan Robinson added 15 points and six rebounds, while Caris LeVert had 14 points and six assists, escaping for nine points in the fourth quarter with back-to-back 3-pointers that gave Detroit a 109–101 lead. Isaiah Stewart returned from a three-game absence to contribute 14 points, five rebounds and strong interior defense in 23 minutes. Paul Reed added 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in the first half.

The Pistons’ victory was based on several big swings. Trailing by seven late in the second quarter, the Pistons closed the half on a 28–12 run, fueled by 11-for-22 shooting from three, and Green and Robinson combined for six points from deep. Detroit led 63–54 at halftime.

Philadelphia opened the third quarter with a 14–0 run, taking advantage of seven Pistons turnovers in the first six minutes of the period to eventually take an 83–71 lead. But Detroit responded with a 17–7 burst to close the quarter, capped by Jenkins’ long-range shot to cut the margin to 90–88.

The Pistons then dominated the fourth, outscoring the Sixers 26–15, holding them to 33.3% shooting in the period, and taking their biggest lead 114–103 with less than two minutes remaining. Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points, while rookie VJ Edgecombe added 18, but Philadelphia couldn’t overcome the absence of Joel Embiid, who missed action due to soreness in his right knee.

After a two-day rest, Detroit will host the Indiana Pacers on Monday.