The Pistons Are Cooking and Cade Cunningham Is the Chef

Look, I don’t want to overreact… but I’m about to overreact.

The Detroit Pistons are 7-2, sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference, and hooping like a team that’s tired of being the league’s punchline.

You can talk about Milwaukee, New York, or Philly all you want, but right now? The road to the East runs through the Motor City.

Let’s start with the obvious: Cade Cunningham is that dude. He’s not just hooping. Nah, he's orchestrating.

Over his last five games, he’s averaging nearly 30 points and 11 assists while shooting a clean 54% from the field.

That’s MVP-level efficiency, leadership, and swag.

When you watch Cade, you see flashes of Luka’s pace, CP3’s control, and Chauncey’s poise, but with that Detroit grit that can’t be taught. The way he manipulates defenses, dictates tempo, and sets the tone every night?

Him Cunningham is real.

And then there’s Jalen Duren. Man… the big fella looks like a cheat code right now. Over his last five?

• 24 PPG

• 13 RPG

• 68% FG

• +85 plus-minus

That’s bully-ball efficiency mixed with elite energy. Duren’s rebounding, rim protection, and finishing are giving the Pistons an identity they haven’t had since the Ben Wallace days: defense, toughness, and pride.

Speaking of defense… the Pistons currently own the best defensive field goal percentage in the entire NBA (42.3%).

Let me say that again: Detroit. Has. The. Best. Defense. In. The. League.

They’re not just playing harder — they’re playing smarter. Rotations are crisp. Closeouts are aggressive. Everybody’s communicating.

You can see Trajan Langdon’s fingerprints on the roster and JB Bickerstaff's fingerprints in the effort.

And it’s not just the stars. Ausar Thompson continues to prove he’s one of the most impactful young players in the NBA, filling gaps, defending multiple positions, and bringing that non-stop energy Detroit fans live for.

Caris LeVert has been a steady vet presence off the bench, and role players like Tobias Isaiah Stewart are showing growth with every game.

After Friday’s 125-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Detroit extended its win streak to five. And for the first time since 2015, two Pistons — Cade (34 & 10) and Duren (30 & 11) — posted 30-point double-doubles in the same game.

Now I know what you’re thinking: It’s early. And you’re right. But when a young team starts this hot with chemistry, defense, and a superstar who looks ready to lead, it means something.

The question now isn’t whether the Pistons can keep winning. It’s how far they can go. Can they win a playoff series? Can Cade win MVP? Can Detroit — dare I say it — make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals?

The city’s buzzing, the Palace-era spirit is back in the building, and it feels like the start of something special.

So, yeah, go ahead and smell that. That’s not just Thanksgiving dinner on the way.

That’s the Pistons still cooking.

Deettttrooiiittt Basskkketbballl! Let's go!