Imagine a basketball team down two of their star players, yet they still manage to dominate their opponents in a stunning display of resilience and skill. That’s exactly what happened when the shorthanded Detroit Pistons dismantled the Toronto Raptors 113-95, proving that depth and determination can overcome even the toughest odds. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this victory be a fluke, or is it a sign of something greater brewing in Detroit? Let’s dive in.
Updated Feb. 11, 2026, 10:10 p.m. ET
Just hours before tip-off in Toronto, news broke that Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, the Pistons’ top two centers, had been suspended following an altercation with the Hornets’ Paul Reed. This left the team in a seemingly precarious position, facing the Raptors without their primary big men. Yet, the Pistons not only survived but thrived, thanks to a stellar performance from their superstar Cade Cunningham and an unexpected hero in third-center Paul Reed.
The win improved Detroit’s record to 40-13, tying them in the loss column with the Oklahoma City Thunder (41-13) as the only teams in the league to surpass the 40-win mark. And this is the part most people miss: the Pistons’ ability to adapt under pressure could be a defining trait of their season.
Cade Cunningham led the charge with 28 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, shooting an efficient 9-for-14 from the field and 6-for-11 from beyond the arc. But it was Paul Reed who stole the show. Starting in place of Duren, Reed stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, four blocks, and two steals. His early aggression set the tone, scoring 16 of his 22 points in the first quarter alone, including a highlight-reel alley-oop dunk off a pass from Cunningham.
The Pistons’ three-point shooting was equally impressive, knocking down 14 of their 34 attempts (41.2%), a stark contrast to their 5-for-25 performance just days earlier against the Charlotte Hornets. Cunningham and Reed combined for 40 points in the first half, propelling the Pistons to a 67-52 halftime lead—one of their most dominant offensive halves of the season.
Paul Reed’s Breakout Moment
Reed, the 26-year-old big man, has been a sporadic contributor this season, often relegated to the bench behind Duren and Stewart. Between Jan. 19 and Feb. 3, he appeared in just three of nine games, logging only 17 total minutes. Yet, when given the opportunity, he’s proven he can deliver. His performance against the Raptors was a testament to his readiness, tying his season-high in blocks and showcasing a versatile offensive game that included threes, midrange jumpers, and crafty finishes at the rim.
With Stewart serving a seven-game suspension, Reed is expected to start the Pistons’ next game against the New York Knicks and serve as Duren’s primary backup until Stewart returns on March 3. The question remains: can Reed sustain this level of play, or was this just a one-off performance?
Cunningham’s Three-Point Resurgence
While Cade Cunningham has had a stellar all-around season, his three-point shooting has been a lingering concern, dipping to 33% after consecutive seasons around 36%. Against the Raptors, however, he found his rhythm, going 6-for-11 from deep—just one make shy of his career high. His ability to punish defenders who went under screens was particularly noteworthy, as he calmly knocked down open threes to extend the Pistons’ lead.
Looking Ahead
As the Pistons head into the All-Star break, they’ve positioned themselves as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. But here’s the controversial take: can they maintain this level of play without their full roster? And is Paul Reed’s emergence a sign of deeper bench strength, or just a temporary solution?
What do you think? Is this Pistons team the real deal, or are they riding a wave of momentum that could crash at any moment? Let us know in the comments below.
For more Pistons updates, check out The Pistons Pulse podcast, available on Apple and Spotify. And don’t forget to download our free app for the latest news, alerts, and more. Follow Omari Sankofa II on Bluesky and X for additional insights and analysis.
