Hunter Patterson

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Jon Krawczynski |Hunter Patterson

MINNEAPOLIS - Even before a fight broke out between the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves that spilled into the stands at Target Center, Wolves coach Chris Finch could feel something coming. The game between two of the most physical teams in the league was getting chippy and nasty, and Finch had an ominous feeling about where it was all headed. "I thought leading up to that, that the game was way too physical," Finch said.

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Shakeia Taylor |Hunter Patterson

CHICAGO - Finding the right key can open doors and for the Detroit Pistons, Ausar Thompson's maturation is unlocking their offense at the right time. One of the most sought-after draft picks of 2024, Thompson's integration into the Pistons lineup since Thanksgiving has been one of the driving forces behind the team's upswing. He's also been a boon for the team's young core as they head into the All-Star break with a winning record for the first time in 16 seasons.

Jan 21, 2025 | nytimes.com | Kelly Iko |Hunter Patterson

HOUSTON - Before Monday's matchup began, Cade Cunningham stressed the importance of this game for the Detroit Pistons. He called for a rare, emergency, last-minute team meeting at the free-throw line near Detroit's bench roughly 10 minutes before tipoff. Cunningham's message to the group lasted no more than 30 seconds - with starting center Jalen Duren listening intently - but by the time the huddle dispersed, the team seemed unified.

Jan 15, 2025 | nytimes.com | Hunter Patterson

The belt has a blue base, red lining, the team's logo in the center with an outline of a basketball behind it, a small WWE logo above and an NBA logo below. It also has spiral red and white lines around the logo and Detroit's 313 area code is represented. Isaiah Stewart started the trend on Jan. 8 after the Pistons defeated the Brooklyn Nets to win their fifth consecutive game. The belt winner has to be the player who has the greatest impact in a win.

Jan 14, 2025 | nytimes.com | Hunter Patterson

NEW YORK - Knicks fans have a long history of talking trash to their opponents in Madison Square Garden. In the closing moments of Monday night's game, Detroit Pistons shooting guard Malik Beasley received that New York love from a fan. "The guy said, 'You hit four 3s in the first half and haven't done s- since,' " Beasley recalled after the game. "I was like, 'Watch this.' Got the ball, hit the 3, cussed him out then I got the second one and he went in a shell. So, a shoutout to that fan.