Detroit Pistons outshine Philadelphia behind resilient play

Detroit is on an absolute tear right now, and it’s happening without their biggest stars. The Pistons extended their win streak to nine games their longest since the 2007-08 season by crushing the Philadelphia 76ers 114-105 Friday night, and they did it despite being without Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, and Ausar Thompson. This wasn’t supposed to be possible. Teams don’t win nine straight games while missing their All-NBA guard and three starting-level players simultaneously. Yet here’s Detroit, proving that depth, grit, and sheer determination can overcome almost any adversity.

The Pistons’ 11-2 record now leads the entire Eastern Conference, and the scary part for opponents? This team is just getting started. Their roster is still welcoming back contributors from injuries, which means the full strength version of this team hasn’t even arrived yet. Jaden Ivey hasn’t played a single minute this season after undergoing a knee procedure during the preseason, creating another potential offensive weapon waiting in the wings.

The defensive fortress showed exactly what nasty looks like

Philadelphia’s offense completely disappeared when the game mattered most. The 76ers managed only 15 points in the fourth quarter after the Pistons had fallen behind by twelve in the third. That’s championship-level defensive intensity, the kind of suffocation that makes star players uncomfortable. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff wasn’t surprised by his team’s ability to flip a switch and lock people down. According to the coach, this group has something special: they actually enjoy playing this style of basketball.

Bickerstaff explained that his roster thrives in difficult moments. When games get messy and ugly, when opponents fight back hard, when the pressure increases exponentially that’s when Detroit’s players come alive. The coach called them “nasty dogs” in the locker room, emphasizing they possess an edge and swagger that separates championship-level teams from everyone else. They don’t just tolerate adversity; they embrace it and actually prefer playing that way.

Daniss Jenkins became the unlikely hero

Without Cunningham available, an unexpected name stepped into the spotlight: guard Daniss Jenkins, currently operating on a two-way contract. Jenkins answered the call with a performance that showcased both his talent and his clutch gene. Most impressively, Jenkins nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer from beyond half court to finish the third quarter. That shot essentially gave Detroit new life, pulling the Pistons to within two points and completely shifting momentum heading into the fourth quarter.

Jenkins’ night showcased why Detroit’s depth matters so much. He finished with nineteen points and eight assists over thirty-five minutes, engaging in a continuous back-and-forth throughout with All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. Maxey was terrific with thirty-one points and seven rebounds, but Jenkins matched his swagger and competitive intensity. Both players hail from Dallas, creating an extra layer of familiarity and rivalry.

The Jenkins redemption arc is already underway

This performance represented just another chapter in Jenkins’ emerging breakout season. On Monday against Washington, he hit another corner three-pointer that sent that game directly into overtime. He exploded for twenty-four points that night, showcasing his offensive range and clutch mentality. Then Wednesday against Chicago, Jenkins compiled eighteen points and twelve assists, controlling the entire game flow with his playmaking and decision-making.

When asked about his shooting secret, Jenkins kept things light while acknowledging his recent form. He emphasized that he and his teammates all embrace the nasty, aggressive style that Bickerstaff preaches. It’s become part of Detroit’s identity.

Looking ahead: Indiana looms Monday

The Pistons will chase their tenth consecutive victory Monday at home against the Indiana Pacers, who currently sit tied for the worst record in the entire Eastern Conference. Detroit has momentum, health gradually improving, and absolute belief in their system. The 76ers featured Joel Embiid unavailable due to right knee soreness and Paul George still recovering from left knee surgery, but that doesn’t diminish what Detroit accomplished. Philadelphia received contributions throughout the roster, yet the Pistons’ defensive intensity and depth proved insurmountable. Detroit’s nine-game winning streak represents their longest since 2007-08, marking a significant cultural shift for the franchise.