3-Man Fastbreak: Full(er) strength

The Detroit Pistons have matched a franchise record with thirteen straight victories, tying the 2003–04 and 1989–90 teams — both of whom… well, you know what happened.

What started as a fun early-season story has now become something bigger. For this fanbase, it’s felt like the beginning of something special — a young group blossoming together and playing the hard-nosed, connected basketball that fans in this city have long associated with winning.

There will be plenty of questions to sort out as the trade deadline approaches, but for now, Detroit is enjoying the ride.

1. Welcome to the party, Mr. Ivey

For Jaden Ivey, the last year could not have been easy. After the best stretch of his young career, he was forced to watch from the sidelines for eleven months as the Pistons evolved into the contender they’ve become. Now, fully healthy, the question becomes whether he can be the ceiling-raiser Detroit needs to reach its ultimate goals.

The Pistons were understandably cautious about bringing the fourth-year guard back after arthroscopic knee surgery, given how well the team played in his absence. But with Ivey finally at full strength, we can begin to see the real picture — both of his individual potential and the chemistry he can build with Cade Cunningham.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 22: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against Gary Trent Jr. #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on November 22, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) Getty Images

In his first two games back, facing the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, Ivey has looked calm, patient, and deliberate. He’s letting the game come to him while still flashing the explosive traits that make him such a weapon. In just 27 minutes of action, he’s put up 22 points on 56% shooting from the field.

With most injured players now returning, the next big question becomes: what does the everyday rotation look like moving forward?

After just two games with Ivey and Tobias Harris back, it’s still too early to draw firm conclusions. But the minutes have shifted — and not subtly. Dennis Jenkins, Paul Reed, and Ron Holland II have all seen their playing time shrink substantially, which is unfortunate for them individually but an undeniable luxury for the team. Having high-energy, rotation-caliber players waiting in reserve is something good teams enjoy and great teams depend on.

Ivey’s minutes are being eased upward, but it feels inevitable that he’ll rejoin the starting lineup soon. That move would create a more diverse, dynamic bench unit — with Duncan Robinson/Caris LeVert providing spacing and Holland/Stewart anchoring the defense. And with the constant churn of matchups and injuries in an 82-game season, expect JB Bickerstaff to continue mixing and matching on a nightly basis.

3. What are the weak points thus far?

Detroit’s defensive profile is no fluke. They rank near the top of the league in multiple categories, including being the only team in the top five in both steals and blocks. They currently sit fourth in defensive efficiency. Everything about the way they defend appears sustainable — built on culture and relentless physicality.

MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 6: Isaiah Stewart #28 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during a NBA preseason game on October 6, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images

Offensively, the clearest weak spot is shooting. The Pistons don’t take many threes — they’re 26th in attempts — but it hasn’t halted their momentum. They compensate by shooting a high overall percentage (6th in the NBA) and by dominating the paint, where they lead the league in scoring.

Another area they rank near the top (or bottom?) in is fouls per game, where they commit the fifth most in the league. So it feels like even the teams’ weak points still plays into their identity, which shows their commitment to playing a certain style. And that style can be dangerous in the playoffs.