DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons ended their NBA record-tying shedding streak at 28 video games with a 129-127 victory over the short-handed Toronto Raptors on Saturday evening, as Cade Cunningham had 30 factors and 12 assists.
The Pistons, who hadn’t gained since Oct. 28, matched the Philadelphia 76ers’ document of 28, break up over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. They completed one shy of the document for the 4 main American and Canadian leagues, set by the Chicago Cardinals throughout World War II.
“I feel amazing,” Cunningham mentioned. “We just kept battling. It’s been a long stretch, all these losses, but I’m just happy to be part of a group of guys who don’t quit.”
Jalen Duren had 18 factors and 17 rebounds for Detroit (3-29) whereas Kevin Knox II scored 17 factors.
“I’m just so happy we were able to get that,” Duren mentioned. “We’ve been fighting hard for a couple of months to get one, and we’ve been through a lot of adversity.”
Pascal Siakam had 35 factors and Dennis Schroder scored 28 for Toronto, which was taking part in the second half of a back-to-back. The Raptors traded OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks earlier within the day. They acquired RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, however they weren’t accessible on Saturday.
“It was a very emotional day for everyone,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic mentioned. “I’m really proud of the energy our guys had, taking everything into account.
“I also don’t want to take anything away from what Detroit did. They played a really good game and hit some very, very timely shots.”
The Pistons led 90-86 going into the fourth and neither staff was capable of put collectively a run till back-to-back 3-pointers by Cunningham and Jaden Ivey made it 110-99 with 5:50 to go.
Toronto responded with an 8-2 run, together with six factors from Scottie Barnes, however Cunningham’s jumper made it 114-107 and the Pistons acquired three straight stops in opposition to Siakam. Another jumper by Cunningham moved the margin to 9 with 1:34 to play.
Siakam’s 3-pointer made it 126-122 with 17 seconds left, however the Pistons clinched the sport from the road. Gary Trent Jr. hit a 3-pointer with a second left, however the celebration was already starting.
“I’ve been in a ton of locker rooms my whole life, but that’s a first for me,” Pistons coach Monty Williams mentioned. “Guys were screaming. I was almost in tears. I’m just so happy for our guys and for everyone in the locker room.”
The Raptors trailed by eight factors at halftime, however Siakam and Trent scored 24 factors in eight minutes to place Toronto forward 75-74. Siakam completed with 20 of Toronto’s 42 factors within the quarter, and extra importantly, drove Cunningham to the bench with 4 fouls.
“I challenged both (Siakam) and Scottie at halftime,” Rajakovic mentioned. “I told them that we needed more from them in the second half, and they both did a really good job.”
The Raptors scored 83 factors within the second half after solely placing up 44 within the first.
“We missed some free throws and we missed a bunch of layups that we usually make,” Rajakovic mentioned.
UP NEXT
Raptors: Host Cleveland on Monday evening.
Pistons: At Houston on Monday evening.
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