The Pistons continue their historic streak after defeating the Pacers

The Detroit Pistons continue their role as one of the hottest teams in the NBA.

Even on another night with a modest lineup, the Pistons triumphed over the Indiana Pacers, 127-112. This marks their 10th straight win and increases their regular season record to 12-2 as the number one team in the Eastern Conference. It’s the Pistons’ first 10-game winning streak since 2008 and helped set up an undefeated schedule in November.

Detroit continues to grind its way to plenty of wins injured starters are recovering. The Pistons have played without availability Cade CunninghamTobias Harris and Ausar Thompson in the last few games. Their backfield depth has also been somewhat limited all season, as running backs Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser have been inactive all season. Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff opened up to the media about what he has was the driving force for his team despite injuries.

“Our defense. That’s the most important thing for us. When we commit to the defensive end of the floor, it drives everything we do offensively,” Bickerstaff explained. “We feel like we’re an elite basketball team in transition, so when we get stops, it allows our guys to come out and create early opportunities. Even if it’s not a dunk or a layup at first, it’s a strength. Now they’re chasing us, and we’re getting the buckets we’re looking for.”

Defense has been a reliable calling card for the Pistons with the second best defensive rating in the NBA. The Pacers were limited to 42% shooting from the field and 29% from 3-point range. The Pistons were also able to force 21 Indiana turnovers, helping them in transition with 14 fast break points.

Another key focus of the Pistons’ identity is their production in the paint, where they rank first in the NBA. That lead continued for Detroit on Monday as they scored 66 points and held Indiana to just 48.

The Pistons were without starting center Jalen Duren for the previous two games due to an ankle injury. His presence was a clear factor in his comeback against the Pacers. Duren recorded his eighth double-double of the season with 31 points and 15 rebounds.

The offensive penetration of Duren’s game continues to be a key part of Detroit’s success this season. His efficiency was also outstanding as he knocked down 12 of 13 field goal attempts. Duren’s score usually comes from the environment against the opposition. However, he was able to show the continued potential of his scoring growth by hitting a few rebounds as well. Bickerstaff raved about the growth of his starting 22-year-old center during the postgame media session.

“Coming out of last year, we knew what we expected from him (Jalen Duren) and how we were going to improve the most. That was one of those things that made us, organizationally, make the decision to continue to develop our young players, and giving them all a plan to see them grow. JD executed the plan and worked — worked, and worked, and worked — all summer to do what he was in Bistaff’s position.”

Point guard Dennis Jenkins continues to thrive as a starter, scoring 26 points with eight assists. Guard Javonte Green came off the bench to score 20 points to help the Pistons to victory.