Even when the Pistons are struggling, like late in the 4th quarter against the Pacers last night, Detroit still managed to find another path to victory. It was the 13th consecutive time that the Pistons have navigated their way to the winning side, which tied a franchise record. 

Amid the double-digit winning streak, Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham has cemented himself as one of the most composed, poised players with the game on the line. Through 17 games, Cunningham leads the NBA in fourth quarter scoring, and the All-Star guard keeps coming up with new ways to guide the Pistons over top of their opponents. 

This season, Cunningham is averaging 27.4 points and 9.9 assists per game, both of which are career highs, and the fifth-year Oklahoma State product’s stellar performance has placed himself firmly within the Most Valuable Player discussion this year. Cunningham is creating waves across the league, and he’s beginning to receive due recognition for his leadership and playmaking ability in Motown. 

Cade Cunningham Seals Detroit Pistons’ 13th Consecutive Victory, Tying Franchise Record Detroit All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham had another huge night in what was a historic win for the Pistons

Recently, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was speaking about the Pistons on his podcast, and the defensive expert gave Detroit their flowers in terms of the high level of basketball that’s occurring in the Motor City. 

“They're playing incredible basketball, and it's fun to watch,” Green said. “As far as them coming out of the East, I think if they continue to put it together, continue to move in the right direction, I don't see why they couldn't come out of the East. The one thing that everybody said from the beginning of the season is like, ‘Yo, who is the clear cut favorite out of the East, who's going to emerge?’ And I think the Pistons threw their name in the hat and said, ‘Hey, it's us.’”

Right now, the Pistons hold a 14-2 record in first place in the Eastern Conference, so Detroit is putting itself in an incredible position to start the season. The Pistons have found immense success scoring down low in the paint, and that’s become a crucial piece of Detroit’s identity as a tough-nosed squad that is eager to mix it up. 

“I see they’ve got like a mantra, like dirty dogs or something like that they've been calling themselves,” Green said. “JB Bickerstaff’s style is leading the charge on that. JB’s demeanor is all in your face. I think they definitely have the talent. Cade Cunningham, MVP candidate. Jalen Duren is playing incredible basketball this year. Isaiah Stewart being that spark plug, obviously the toughness, but he's shooting the ball well this year. Ausar Thompson soaring, taking another step. Duncan Robinson, shooting the ball. They got the young kid, Daniss Jenkins, who's on a two way contract, but playing incredible basketball. Like, this is a team– Tobias [Harris] who hasn't even been healthy, and they've been winning these games like this as a team that believes they can make a run at it, and I don't see why they can't come out of the East. If they continue to build through this, through this regular season and playing the type of basketball that they've been playing, they'll only get better and better.”

READ MORE: Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Says It's 'Exciting' Having Reinforcements Back In The Lineup

With multiple NBA Championships under his belt, Green knows what it takes to compete for a title in May and June, so this is heavy praise coming from the Michigan native. The Pistons have not had an opportunity to face off with Golden State just yet, though the two teams will square up on Friday, Jan. 30 in California. 

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