Pistons beat Hawks 120-112 for their 11th straight win - longest streak in 18 years

Cade Cunningham returned from injury with a strong performance, posting 25 points and 10 assists to lead the Detroit Pistons to their 11th straight win, a 120-112 victory over the short-handed Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Jalen Duren added 24 points for the Pistons (13-2), who are off to their best start since opening 15-2 in the 2005-06 season - a campaign that ended with a 64-18 record and an appearance in the Eastern Conference finals.

Detroit now owns the NBA’s longest winning streak this season and its longest overall since an 11-game run in 2007-08, the last year the franchise won a playoff series. That team finished 59-23 and also reached the East finals.



Duncan Robinson provided an early boost with 14 points and three quick 3-pointers, helping the Pistons build momentum after Monday’s win over Indiana. Cunningham also made history, becoming the first player in franchise history to record at least 25 points and 10 assists in five straight games played.


Jalen Johnson led the Hawks (9-6) with 25 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, and three steals. Atlanta, which saw its five-game winning streak snapped, was without Zaccharie Risacher due to a hip injury suffered Sunday, while Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis also remained sidelined with knee issues.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 24 points and Onyeka Okongwu added 21 as the Hawks clawed back from a 19-point deficit, pulling within one with 6:08 remaining. But after Alexander-Walker’s free throws cut the lead to two in the final minutes, Cunningham responded with a clutch jumper to steady Detroit.

Dyson Daniels, honored pregame with the Most Improved Player award, contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals for Atlanta.