Detroit Pistons

Tested in ways few other teams had been throughout the 2023-24 season, the Detroit Pistons would’ve been understood if their motivation wasn’t at peak level by late-February. Instead, with their Central Division rivals next on the schedule, Detroit, 24 hours removed from an emotional loss of their own, channeled the type of resiliency that could propel them in future seasons. Given just a 10.5 percent chance of prevailing after falling into a double-digit, second quarter hole, Cade Cunningham and the spirited group rallied together for one of their season’s more remarkable wins on February 27, 2024. 25-point avalanches from both DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vučević challenged the Pistons’ foundation, but with a stout defensive perimeter effort — Detroit held Chicago to a historically-inaccurate 2-of-29 from deep — the Bulls’ offense remained parched. For Detroit, feeling itself in the “spoiler,” no-easy-victory role, it marked the 16th time during the calendar year in which they either won or kept the game within single-digits. Joined by five other double-digit scorers, Cunningham captained the charge with an efficient 26-point, five-rebound, five-assist showcase, providing a second inconvenience to the Bulls’ ensuing postseason push.