The Boston Celtics ended the Detroit Pistons’ remarkable 13-game winning streak with a hard-fought 117-114 victory at TD Garden on Wednesday night, November 26, denying Detroit a chance to set a new franchise record for consecutive wins. Jaylen Brown delivered 33 points and 10 rebounds while Derrick White contributed 27 points—11 of them in the final 4.5 minutes—to help Boston overcome a spectacular 42-point performance from Pistons star Cade Cunningham.
High-stakes finish and controversial call
The game’s dramatic conclusion centered on a crucial foul call with Detroit trailing by three points. Cunningham was fouled near mid-court just as he prepared to launch a three-pointer, and after officials reviewed the play, they determined he was in the act of shooting. Cunningham converted the first two free throws but missed the third, with Payton Pritchard securing the rebound for Boston and hitting two free throws of his own with 2.4 seconds remaining to seal the outcome. The Celtics then stole Detroit’s final inbound pass before the Pistons could attempt a potential game-tying three-pointer.
Detroit’s historic run falls short
The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons entered the game at 15-2, riding a winning streak that matched the franchise record set by their legendary 1989-90 and 2003-04 championship teams. Detroit’s transformation has been stunning—just two seasons after losing 28 consecutive games to set an NBA season record for futility, the Pistons have emerged as the league’s hottest team and conference leader. Monday’s victory over Indiana had tied the franchise mark, setting up Wednesday’s showdown as an opportunity to stand alone in team history.
Cunningham’s brilliance not enough
Despite Cunningham’s career-level effort of 42 points to go with eight assists, Detroit couldn’t overcome Boston’s balanced attack and clutch execution down the stretch. The third-year guard has become the centerpiece of Detroit’s resurgence under coach J.B. Bickerstaff, averaging 27.1 points per game and leading a young core that includes Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson. Cunningham’s 25-point, 8-assist performance in Detroit’s October 119-113 win over Boston at home showed the Pistons could compete with the defending champions even early in the season.
Celtics stabilize amid injury challenges
Boston improved to 10-8 and notched its fifth win in six games, steadying the ship after a slow start without injured star Jayson Tatum, who missed Wednesday’s contest along with center Neem Queta. Pritchard added 16 points off the bench, providing crucial depth as the Celtics adjusted their frontcourt rotation to handle Detroit’s size advantage. The victory represents a significant momentum boost for a Boston squad adjusting to life without departed contributors Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis while navigating early-season roster challenges.
What’s next for both teams
Detroit will look to start a new winning streak when they host the Orlando Magic on Friday night in an NBA Cup group stage game, while Boston continues its homestand hoping to build on this statement win over the conference leaders. The Pistons’ 15-3 record still represents the best start in franchise history through 18 games, and their December schedule will test whether this season’s success is sustainable or simply a hot streak. For fans of both teams, the January 19 rematch will offer another chance to see if Detroit can avenge this narrow defeat.
