In the mid-season NBA Cup, the Boston Celtics delivered a stinging hit to the Detroit Pistons, sending Detroit to a 117–114 defeat and breaking their 13-game winning streak on Wednesday night.
Though entering the game on a high wave, having achieved 15–3 this season and aiming to surpass the franchise record for straight victories, the Pistons failed. Detroit’s top guard, Cade Cunningham, scored a game-high 42 points, but it wasn’t enough to guarantee the historic victory.
Leadership and clutch performance made all the difference for Boston. While Derrick White, notwithstanding a subdued first half, erupted late to add 11 of his 27 points in the final few minutes, changing the course in the Celtics’ favor; Jaylen Brown contributed 33 points and 10 rebounds.
Could that clutch finish begin a fresh chapter?
Detroit had a perfect opportunity to tie the game with only seconds left and the game hanging. Just as Cunningham rose to attempt a possible game-tying 3-pointer, he was knocked near mid-court. He missed the third but made the first two free throws. Boston Celtics’ Payton Pritchard snatched the rebound on the following possession, was fouled, and coolly dropped two free throws with just 2.4 seconds on the clock.
One last frantic attempt by the Pistons, but a pass interception secured the victory for Boston. The loss refutes Detroit Pistons have the chance to eclipse the 13-win streak held jointly by their 1989-90 and 2003-04 champion teams, leaving the mark untouched and prolonging the suspense of whether this season might produce a new record-breaker.
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Still, the Pistons, 2-1 in their Cup group, are still in the competition. Depending on the outcome of their next important game, they may yet save their quest for advancement. Meantime, for Boston, the close victory gives momentum and a morale boost, a reminder that even mid-season events might depend on pressure execution.