The Detroit Pistons have been one of the most dominant teams in the league this season and still they've continuously been discredited.
Despite their impressive record, success against teams over .500 and their ability to execute in crunch time, the conversations surrounding the league has been more about reasons not to trust Detroit when the postseason comes rather than reasons to trust them.
However, the team's recent answer to adversity should silence all of the noise once and for all, even if the answer isn't a direct response to the questions being asked.
Pistons thrive with their backs against the wall
There's no doubt that until Cade Cunningham returns to full health, the Pistons will be a completely different team.
Detroit has an identity with their star guard on the court and based on their record, that identity has led them to an abundance of wins to put them atop the Eastern Conference this season.
And while their playing style may shift somewhat without the playmaker on the court, their identity remains the same: they play with an edge.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is to thank for that mindset and the team's constant approach to prove their doubters wrong has put them in position to thrive even without their MVP candidate on the court.
Since Cunningham has gone down, the rise of backup guard Daniss Jenkins and the ability of the team's core players to elevate their play has led the team to a four-game winning streak.
With their most recent win coming against a surging Los Angeles Lakers squad in the midst of a nine-game winning streak, Detroit just made a statement that should put an end to the doubt.
Detroit has the talent to make a run
The questions surrounding Detroit prior to Cunningham's eventual setback were surrounding the team's lack of experience and depth.
Experience wise, it's safe to say that many weren't overly concerned with that to begin with, especially considering the playoff experience gained during last seasons run along with the veterans on the roster who have went on their fair share of runs to begin with.
Depth wise, the Pistons recent surge without Cunningham on the court proves the team has the personnel on the roster that is fully capable to step up when they're needed to.
Oh, and the chance of Cunningham returning to action at some point this season remains a possibility considering he's yet to be ruled out for the year.
All that to say, the Pistons have put together enough credibility throughout the season to answer any questions about their postseason chances.