Despite their dominant start to the season, the Pistons have been overshadowed by the Thunder throughout the season. But Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are rapidly changing this reality. San Antonio's three victories against the Thunder in the last two weeks has narrowed the gap in the standings; the Pistons are now only 1.5 games back of the Thunder.
The Pistons have done a great job of approximating the Thunder's model this season with their dominant superstar play and deep bench. Now those similarities are also becoming apparent in the NBA league-wide standings.
The Pistons have a shot at the league's best record
Not only have the Spurs directly beat the Thunder multiple times, they've also made them appear more vulnerable for the rest of the league. In the last 10 games, the Thunder have also dropped a game to the Timberwolves. It's led to a 6-4 record in that span - not awful by any means, but far from the historic pace OKC was eyeing earlier.
All of this should have the Pistons aiming for the best record in the league. Although they haven't been racking up blowout victories like the Thunder, the Pistons have been able to pull out wins in just about any situation. Behind the clutch excellence of Cade Cunningham, they have an incredible record in close games this season. In fact, the Pistons lead the league with 15 clutch wins already.
The Pistons have also not relied on unsustainable play for their wins. They've often won games despite shooting poorly from outside and instead relying on effort and interior dominance. Given their roster and strong coaching, those are attributes they should be able to maintain throughout the season.
For Detroit's front office, securing the league's top record would vindicate their decisions in building the team. They will soon have to make expensive commitments to the team's core. A top finish this season will make those huge contract extensions worth their value.
After the Thunder's 24-1 start, no one expected them to be in reach for any other team. Coming off a championship and looking more dominant than ever, the Thunder looked like they would stampede their way to 70+ wins. The Spurs' recent success against them has completely changed the trajectory of the season.
Despite not getting their wish to play in a primetime Christmas game themselves, the Pistons still got a great gift. The Spurs are doing everyone in the NBA a favor, and the Pistons should benefit. If they can sneak into the league's top record, it'll do even more to establish them for the playoffs and the league's top billing next season.