The Detroit Pistons are officially the hottest team in the NBA, and Tuesday night in Atlanta proved why. With star guard Cade Cunningham back in the lineup, Detroit powered past the Atlanta Hawks 120-112, notching their 11th consecutive victory and sending a clear message to the rest of the league: this young squad is for real.
Cunningham Returns, Pistons Surge
After missing time with injury,
Cade Cunningham returned in dominant fashion, racking up 25 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. His poise and playmaking set the tone for Detroit, who now boast a 13-2 record—good for the best start in franchise history.
Jalen Duren was a force in the paint, adding 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. The Pistons’ balanced attack overwhelmed Atlanta, who struggled to contain Detroit’s relentless energy on both ends of the floor.
Hawks’ Effort Falls Short
The Hawks, now 9-6, were led by Jalen Johnson’s near triple-double (25 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds). Despite his efforts, Atlanta couldn’t keep pace in the fourth quarter as Detroit’s defense tightened and Cunningham orchestrated a series of clutch plays.
Grit and Growth: Detroit’s New Identity
This win wasn’t just about stats—it was about
grit and resilience. Detroit’s young core, including Cunningham, Duren, and a resurgent bench, has transformed the team’s identity. The Pistons out-hustled Atlanta for loose balls and second-chance points, a testament to their evolving culture under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Detroit fans have reason to be excited. The Pistons’ 11-game win streak is their longest in over a decade, and with Cunningham healthy, their ceiling looks even higher.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
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Pistons: With momentum on their side, Detroit faces a tough upcoming schedule but looks poised to remain a top contender in the East.
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Hawks: Atlanta will need to regroup and address defensive lapses if they hope to keep pace in the competitive conference.
Takeaways and Future Implications
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Cade Cunningham’s health is a game-changer for Detroit’s playoff hopes.
- The Pistons’ depth and defensive intensity are setting them apart early in the season.
- Atlanta, while talented, must find answers on defense to avoid slipping in the standings.
If this game is any indication, the Pistons are no longer a rebuilding project—they’re a legitimate threat, and the rest of the NBA is officially on notice.
Sources
1. PISTONS at HAWKS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | November 18, 2025
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3. Post-Game Press Conference: J.B. Bickerstaff | Pistons vs. Hawks
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7. Pistons 120-112 Hawks (19 Nov, 2025) Final Score - ESPN
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