This time two years ago, the Detroit Pistons were 20 defeats into a losing streak that would ultimately reach an NBA-record-tying 28 games. The mood was so bad during that stretch that Cade Cunningham was fighting back tears as he walked off the floor after their 25th consecutive loss, and they ultimately finished 14-68. It was the worst season in franchise history.

There are no tears in Detroit these days. The Pistons are 19-5, which is good for first place in the Eastern Conference, and only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have a better record overall. Their 13-game winning streak from Oct. 29 through Nov. 24 tied a franchise record, and this is the latest in a season they've been atop the East since 2005 -- coincidentally the last time they made the Finals.

"The big

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