After an up-and-down start to the season, the Detroit Pistons have found their footing, winning three straight and beginning to establish a clear defensive identity.
The early November schedule looks favorable, and with momentum on their side, Detroit has a real chance to climb the standings as the season starts to take shape.
Here are three takeaways from the week that was:
1. Pistons Lead the NBA in Blocks
It’s not often you see a team top the league in blocks without a traditional rim-protecting center — but maybe Detroit has one after all.
Isaiah Stewart currently ranks third in the NBA at 2.3 blocks per game, trailing only Victor Wembanyama (who might as well be from another planet) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (who is a real person, I promise). Stewart’s defense is all about grit, instincts, and timing — reminiscent of Ben Wallace’s relentless style, just without the same height, athleticism, or style points.
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)
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)
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With Tobias Harris sidelined Monday night, Stewart stepped into the starting lineup and delivered one of the best performances of his career: 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. While he’s unlikely to permanently replace Harris in the starting five, expect to see Stewart close a lot more games moving forward.
2. The Cade–Duren Connection is Becoming a Problem
From one defensive center off the bench to one explosive offensive center in the starting lineup. When Jalen Duren was drafted in 2021, the Pistons knew they were getting a high-level athlete who could run the floor and finish above the rim when Cade Cunningham can feed him the ball. But his development as a cerebral, two-way player has taken things to another level.
The chemistry between Cunningham and Duren looks stronger each game — no longer limited to simple lob plays, but full of reads, timing, and trust. Duren’s also been far more aggressive drawing contact, averaging a career-high 6.5 free throw attempts per game.
The front office wisely locked up Cunningham with a max extension, but they may be kicking themselves soon if they didn’t move quickly enough on Duren. If he continues this trajectory, the price tag for his next contract is going to be massive.
3. Turnovers Trending Down for Cade
After a shaky opening week filled with turnovers, Cunningham has completely flipped the script. During Detroit’s three-game winning streak, he’s recorded 36 assists against just four turnovers — elite efficiency for a young guard with such a heavy workload.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 29: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on October 29, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 29: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on October 29, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Part of that improvement stems from Ausar Thompson taking on more playmaking duties while Jaden Ivey remains out. With Thompson initiating more of the offense, Cunningham has had more chances to work off the ball and make quicker, simpler reads.
It also looks like Cade is simply making a conscious effort to value each possession. Whether this clean play is the new normal or just a hot stretch remains to be seen, but the rust appears to be gone. For a player as ball-dominant as Cunningham, maintaining this level of control will be key to Detroit’s sustained success.