The Pistons crash the Celtics' party

The Pistons continued their surprising season by securing a direct playoff berth with a 117-97 victory over the reigning champions. This marked their eighth consecutive win, which also ended the Celtics' six-game winning streak. As a result, the Celtics saw their hold on second place in the East slip after the Knicks defeated the Sixers.

Detroit, which had the worst record in the league last season, is now on its best streak in 16 years. Wednesday's victory further elevates their achievement, as it came against the reigning champions, who were in strong form with nearly all of their regular starters.

Cunningham, leader of a young generation for the Pistons

Cade Cunningham, making his debut season as an All-Star, controlled the game effortlessly, finishing with 21 points and 11 assists. Alongside him, shooting guard Malik Beasley torched Boston with 26 points, including six three-pointers, all coming off the bench.

For the Celtics, forward Jayson Tatum was the standout performer with 27 points, but he missed his usual teammate, Jaylen Brown, who is out on injury. Despite facing an uphill battle from the start, the reigning champions showcased their quality by cutting down a 15-point halftime deficit.

However, when the Celtics returned to the court, they couldn’t withstand the pressure from the home team, who opened up an 11-point gap that ultimately proved decisive. The Pistons, with their young roster, have reignited the hopes of a fan base that has tasted the glory of three championships and five Finals appearances. However, in the past 15 years, they’ve only advanced past the regular season in 2016 and 2019.

"It's a great feeling," Cunningham stated about the winning streak. After so many difficult seasons, "to see it paying off now is great."

Brunson bails out Knicks, squeezes Celtics

In New York, Jalen Brunson led the way with 34 points in the Knicks' hard-fought 110-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. As he has done before, Brunson carried the team down the stretch, scoring nine points in the final three minutes to fend off a Sixers comeback and extend their losing streak to nine games.

Despite missing their leader, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia erased a 16-point halftime deficit and took a four-point lead, fueled by a big performance from Tyrese Maxey, who scored 30 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. and Paul George added 27 and 25, respectively.

However, a three-pointer by Jalen Brunson with a minute and a half remaining put the Knicks back in the lead, as they secured the win despite missing their other key offensive weapon, Karl-Anthony Towns.

Thunder rebound after stumble in Minnesota

In the West, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from Monday's loss to Minnesota with a 129-121 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 27 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 22 points and 17 rebounds.

All the day's results

Detroit Pistons - Boston Celtics 117-97

Indiana Pacers - Toronto Raptors 111-91 

NY Knicks - Philadelphia 76ers 110-105

Washington Wizards - Portland Trail Blazers 121-129

Brooklyn Nets - Oklahoma City Thunder 121-129

Miami Heat - Atlanta Hawks 131-109

Chicago Bulls - LA Clippers 122-117

Utah Jazz - Sacramento Kings 101-118

Houston Rockets - San Antonio Spurs 118-106