The Detroit Pistons' surprising 13-game winning streak came to an end this Wednesday after falling 117-114 to the Boston Celtics, in a thrilling game that leaves Detroit on the ropes in the fight to advance in the NBA Cup.

Detroit (15-3), which was looking to set an all-time franchise record with Their fourteenth consecutive victory came close to a feat thanks to another exhibition by Cade Cunningham, who scored 42 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and assisted 5.

However, the Pistons' young leader missed a key free throw with less than four seconds remaining that would have tied the game 115-115.

Derrick White, Boston's unexpected hero

For the Celtics (10-8), Jaylen Brown led the offense with 33 points, but the name of the night was Derrick White, who had his best performance of the season:

White finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block.

White shone especially from beyond the arc, hitting 6 of 8 three-pointers after halftime, including a perfect 3 of 3 in the fourth quarter, which ultimately tipped the scales in Boston's favor.

His impact on both ends of the court was crucial in halting the momentum of the league's best team in recent weeks.

Detroit They dominated under the boards with 55 rebounds to Boston's 44. Although the Celtics compensated from beyond the arc, making 20 of 43 three-point attempts (46.5%), an efficiency that proved decisive in such a close game.

Pistons, forced to win to stay alive in the NBA Cup

The defeat not only halts the Pistons' historic winning streak but also complicates their qualification for the NBA Cup Finals. Now they are forced to beat the Orlando Magic on Friday, an opponent in top form with seven wins in their last nine games.

Detroit had only achieved 13-game winning streaks twice in its history: in 1989-90 and 2003-04, seasons in which they ended up winning the NBA championship.

Paradoxically, this momentum comes just two years after the franchise's worst moment,when they suffered 28 consecutive defeats, the worst record in their history.