If you haven't been paying attention to the Motor City lately, you're missing a total shift in the NBA hierarchy. Honestly, it's wild. The Detroit Pistons, a team that spent years as the league's punching bag, are sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 30-10 record. But it's the Pistons last 5 games that really tell the story of how this rebuild finally hit its stride.
We aren't just talking about lucky bounces. We're talking about a defensive identity that’s making veteran stars look lost.
The Rollercoaster: Breaking Down the Pistons Last 5 Games
Detroit’s recent stretch has been a mix of absolute dominance and one frustrating "how did that happen?" moment. They went 4-1 over these five contests, but the numbers beneath the surface are what should have the rest of the league sweating.
1. January 17: Pistons 121, Pacers 78
This was a bloodbath. There’s no other way to put it. Indiana came in shorthanded, sure, but Detroit treated them like a JV squad. Cade Cunningham only played 21 minutes because he didn't need to play more. He put up 16 points and 5 assists, essentially clocking out before the fourth quarter even started. The bench mob, led by guys like Caris LeVert (who is finally looking healthy), turned this into a 43-point rout. When a team wins by 43, you stop asking if they're "for real." They are.
2. January 15: Pistons 108, Suns 105
This was the statement win. Phoenix is a heavy hitter, and they brought the heat. Cade struggled with his shot—going a brutal 3-for-16 from the floor—but this is where the "new" Pistons showed up. Old Pistons teams would have folded when their star went cold. Instead, Cade found other ways to contribute with 11 assists, and the defense held Kevin Durant and company just enough to squeak out a win. Jaden Ivey chipped in 15 points, showing that he can be that secondary spark they desperately need.
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3. January 10: Clippers 98, Pistons 92
The lone blemish. It was a weird, sluggish night at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit actually led by 14 at halftime, but they completely hit a wall in the fourth quarter, scoring only 16 points. Kawhi Leonard did Kawhi things, and the Pistons' youth showed for a second. They got out-executed in crunch time. It happens. But honestly, losing a close one to a veteran Clippers team isn't the end of the world when you're 28-10 at the time.
4. January 7: Pistons 108, Bulls 93
No Cade? No problem. Isaiah Stewart, affectionately known as "Beef Stew," decided he was a primary scoring option for a night. Stewart dropped a career-high 31 points. It was one of those games where you realize J.B. Bickerstaff has these guys playing with a level of confidence we haven't seen in Detroit since the mid-2000s. They dominated the glass and physically bullied Chicago out of the building.
5. January 5: Pistons 121, Knicks 90
Another 30-point demolition. The Knicks usually pride themselves on toughness, but Detroit out-worked them in every facet. Cade was surgical here: 29 points, 13 assists, and only 29 minutes played. He was a +23 on the night. When Cunningham is playing with that kind of efficiency, the Pistons are basically unbeatable.
Is Cade Cunningham Actually an MVP Candidate?
It's a conversation people are scared to have because of the "Pistons" name on the jersey. But look at the production. Over the Pistons last 5 games, Cade is averaging roughly 22.6 points and nearly 10 assists. He’s the engine.
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Even when his shot isn't falling, like in the Phoenix game, his gravity on the court opens up everything for Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris. The designated rookie extension he signed—a cool $269 million—looks like a bargain right now. He’s become the floor general Detroit hasn't had since Chauncey Billups.
The Stewart Factor
We have to talk about Isaiah Stewart. He’s currently second in the NBA in blocks (2.0 per game), and his versatility is the secret sauce for their #2 ranked defense. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, he provides a physical edge that most modern NBA teams just can't match.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Run
Most national analysts think this is a "hot streak" driven by shooting. It's actually the opposite.
Detroit’s shooting is still kinda "meh" honestly. They rank 11th in offensive rating, which is good, but not elite. Where they win is the "dirty work." They are tied for second in the NBA in rebounds and lead the league in blocks. They win by being bigger, faster, and meaner than you.
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- Defensive Rating: 110.3 (2nd in NBA)
- Net Rating: +6.5 (4th in NBA)
- Record: 30-10 (1st in East)
They aren't "faking it" with high-variance three-point shooting. They are winning with a sustainable, playoff-style defense.
Looking Ahead: The Gauntlet Begins
The schedule is about to get a lot tougher. Tomorrow, the Boston Celtics come to town for a massive 1-vs-2 seed showdown. Then they hit the road for games against New Orleans and Denver.
If they can go 2-1 over that stretch, the "fluke" narrative is officially dead. The biggest concern right now is the health of Tobias Harris, who left the Indiana game with an undisclosed injury. If he's out, the scoring load falls heavily back on Ivey and Cunningham.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- Watch the First Quarter: The Pistons have been jumping on teams early (they led Indy by double digits almost instantly). If they win the first 12 minutes, they usually coast.
- Monitor the Injury Report: With Harris "questionable" for the Celtics game, look for Ronald Holland to get more run. The rookie has been a defensive pest but needs to show more on offense.
- The Under is Your Friend: Detroit’s defense is legit. In three of their last five games, they held opponents under 95 points. That’s insane in the modern NBA.
The Motor City is finally humming again. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, keep your eyes on the Pistons last 5 games—it's the blueprint for how they might actually make a deep run this spring.
Stay tuned to the injury reports for the Monday night clash against Boston. If Cade’s wrist is 100% and Duren can stay out of foul trouble against Kristaps Porzingis, the Pistons have a real shot at cementing their status as the kings of the East.