Cade Cunningham on Pistons start: ‘We’re where we’re supposed to be’
Cade Cunningham on his dunk, Jalen Duren’s defense and being 8-2 just 2 years after a disastrous season, following win in Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 2025.
Despite going without their two top scorers for the second game in a row, the Detroit Pistons prevailed again.
This time, it was a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, 114-105, on Friday, Nov. 14, at Little Caesars Arena to extend their winning streak to nine games. They outscored the Sixers 26-15 in the final period, using a 27-9 run that started in the third quarter to erase a 12-point deficit. Philadelphia shot just 7-for-21 (33.3%) in the fourth and the Pistons took their biggest lead of the night, 114-103, with under two minutes remaining.
Javonte Green led the way with 21 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, and Daniss Jenkins added 19 points and eight assists for the Pistons (11-2, 2-0 in NBA Cup play). Isaiah Stewart returned from a three-game absence (left ankle sprain) and was productive, finishing with 14 points and five rebounds off the bench. Duncan Robinson (six rebounds) and Caris LeVert (six assists) also scored in double figures, with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers (7-5, 0-2) with 31 points.
The Pistons had a long injury report for the second straight game, with Ausar Thompson (right ankle sprain), Tobias Harris (right ankle sprain), Jaden Ivey (right knee arthroscopy) and Marcus Sasser (right hip impingement) all ruled out along with Cunningham and Duren.
That short list of actives trailed by seven late in the first half before closing with a 28-12 run to grab a 63-54 halftime lead. They were 11-for-22 from 3, at one point knocking down six in a row after a 3-for-11 start, to jumpstart their run. Green and Robinson were responsible for six of the 3s, making three each.
It was also a sharp defensive half, holding the Sixers to 40% overall shooting. Reed, who had three first-half blocks, and Stewart buoyed their league-best rim defense and also got strong effort on the perimeter from Green.
Next up, the Pistons host NBA Finals runner-up Indiana on Monday at LCA (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network Detroit). The Pacers entered Friday on a 1-11 start to open the season.
Daniss Jenkins caps breakout week with another strong effort
Friday provided more evidence that Jenkins, in his second season with the Pistons on a two-way contract, is ready for regular rotation minutes. He knocked down five of eight 3-point attempts to score double figures for his third straight game, including two big ones during the Pistons’ 17-7 run to close the third quarter. He led the Pistons in scoring that quarter with eight points.
At the third-quarter buzzer, Jenkins drew the night’s biggest reaction after banking in a deep 3-pointer from beyond halfcourt, capping the run that eliminated a 12-point deficit. He finished off the Pistons’ 27-9 run in the final period as well with a nice drive and finish at the rim to push their lead to six, 98-92, with 7:37 remaining.
Caris LeVert steps up off the bench
The veteran forward scored in double figures for the fifth game in a row Friday, helping the Pistons close it out with nine points in the final period.
Back-to-back 3s from LeVert gave the Pistons a 109-101 lead with 3:45 remaining. Then he split a trip at the line and completed a fastbreak dunk with 1:44 to play, which extended their lead to 11 and iced the game.
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