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Welcome back hoops fans!
This is the 32nd edition of The Hoops Insider, where we bring you the latest updates from the world of hoops. After years of rebuilding and struggles, the Detroit Pistons have suddenly caught fire, transforming their season with a remarkable seven-game winning streak – their longest run of consecutive victories in nearly two decades.
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Chasing History
The Pistons now stand on the precipice of history as they prepare to face the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. A victory would give Detroit eight straight wins, matching their longest streak since the 2006-07 season when they were still contenders in the Eastern Conference.
This remarkable turnaround has energized the fanbase and sparked memories of the franchise's glory days. While still far from the franchise record of 13 consecutive wins (achieved during their championship seasons of 1989-90 and 2003-04), this current streak represents a significant milestone for a team that has spent years in the NBA's cellar.
Elite-Level Production
Perhaps most impressive is how the Pistons have been winning. This isn't just a team getting lucky – they're dominating on both ends of the floor:
3rd in the NBA with a stellar 16.0 net rating during the streak
3rd in offensive rating (122.7), trailing only Cleveland and Denver
7th in assist percentage (66.8%)
4th in assist ratio (20.6)
5th in rebounding percentage (54.0%)
4th in effective field goal percentage (58.2%)
At the center of this resurgence has been star guard Cade Cunningham, whose elite play has pushed him to the top of NBA Fantasy Power Rankings heading into Week 19. The former #1 overall pick appears to be making the leap to superstardom that Pistons fans have been awaiting.
Cunningham's playmaking, scoring efficiency, and leadership have transformed the Pistons from a young team with potential into one that's suddenly winning consistently against quality opponents.
Competitive Window Opening
What makes this streak so significant isn't just the wins themselves, but what they represent. As the article states: "This is a Pistons team that isn't just taking a single step forward compared to preseason expectations. It's a team that is putting the rebuilding years behind them and smashing the competitive window wide open."
After multiple seasons of focusing on development and draft positioning, the Pistons are suddenly announcing themselves as a team ready to compete now. The recent addition of veteran guard Dennis Schröder via trade further signals the front office's commitment to accelerating the team's competitive timeline.
For a franchise with three NBA championships and a storied history, this seven-game winning streak feels like the potential beginning of a new chapter. Wednesday's clash with the Celtics will reveal whether this Pistons team is ready to extend their magical run and truly establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
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