In a league where superstars reign supreme and big-market franchises typically dominate the headlines, the Detroit Pistons secured a satisfying, if modest, victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. The 117-114 nail-biter at Little Caesars Arena not only marked Detroit’s second win over LA this season, but also completed a rare two-game season sweep of the illustrious Lakers franchise.
For a Pistons squad that managed a meager 14 wins all of last season, notching their 13th victory before Christmas—with two coming against LeBron James and company—provides a much-needed boost of optimism for the future. Led by the dynamic young backcourt of Cade Cunningham (20 points, 10 assists) and rookie Jaden Ivey (26 points in their first meeting), Detroit is finally showing flashes of the potential that made Cunningham the top pick in the 2021 draft.
Pistons Relish Rare Moment in the Sun
Never shy about reveling in their triumphs—however fleeting they may prove to be—the Pistons’ social media team wasted no time in taking a playful jab at the expense of their decorated opponents. Shortly after the final buzzer, Detroit’s official Twitter account posted a celebratory status update complete with a waving hand emoji:
Raise your hand if you swept the Lakers this season 🙋♂️
@DetroitPistons on Twitter
The cheeky tweet served as a reminder that, for one brief moment, the basketball world belonged to the boys from the Motor City. No matter that their record still sits below .500 even after the win, or that the Lakers remain heavy favorites to reach the postseason despite their early struggles. On this night, David slew Goliath, and the Pistons faithful savored every second.
A Glimmer of Hope in Detroit
For long-suffering supporters of Detroit’s NBA franchise, any signs of progress are worth celebrating. The Pistons have not posted a winning record since the 2015-16 campaign and have reached the playoffs just twice in the past 13 seasons, winning a single postseason game in that span. With Cunningham emerging as a bona fide star and Ivey oozing with promise, however, the clouds of mediocrity that have shrouded the organization may finally be starting to lift.
- Cade Cunningham’s All-Around Excellence: Through his first 25 games, the 21-year-old phenom is averaging 21.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while showcasing remarkable poise and maturity for his age.
- Emergence of Rookie Jaden Ivey: The fifth overall pick out of Purdue has burst onto the scene with electric athleticism and relentless attacking mentality, tallying 15+ points in five of his last seven outings.
Lakers’ Woes Continue to Mount
Meanwhile, in Laker Land, the early returns on the 2024-25 season have been anything but encouraging. Sitting at just 13-18 and clinging to the final play-in spot in the Western Conference, Los Angeles has struggled mightily to build chemistry and establish an identity. Even the heroics of LeBron James, who at age 38 remains a force of nature, have not been enough to mask the team’s glaring flaws.
Despite the daunting hole they find themselves in, the Lakers have no choice but to keep fighting if they hope to extend James’ streak of 17 consecutive playoff appearances (not including the bubble tournament in 2020). The road ahead is daunting, with tests against fellow contenders like the Bucks, Clippers, and Celtics looming large on the December slate. If Monday’s loss to Detroit is any indication, however, no game can be taken for granted.
The Anatomy of an Unlikely Sweep
Though the Pistons and Lakers entered Monday’s showdown under markedly different circumstances, they scrapped like the playoff fate of both teams hung in the balance. After leading by as many as 14 in the first half, the young Pistons watched their advantage evaporate as James and Co. came roaring back to set up a nerve-wracking finish.
Nursing a three-point lead with under 10 seconds remaining, the Pistons narrowly avoided disaster when James’ potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer hit back iron, sending the Little Caesars Arena crowd into a euphoric frenzy. The scene stood in stark contrast to the funereal silence that befell the Lakers’ bench as the team trudged off the court in defeat.
This marked the first time since 2016-17 that Detroit swept the season series with LA.
ESPN Research
For the Pistons, completing the sweep of the once-mighty Lakers marks more than a mere novelty. It serves as a tantalizing glimpse into what may lie ahead if their promising core continues to develop and gel. With a transcendent talent like Cunningham leading the charge and enticing sidekicks in Ivey and sharpshooter Saddiq Bey flanking him, Detroit’s long-term outlook suddenly looks rosier than it has in ages—trolling tweets and all.
