Detroit Pistons cast spell in W over Wizards without Cade Cunningham

WASHINGTON – Despite learning on Thursday, March 19, that Cade Cunningham will miss at least two weeks with a left collapsed lung, the Detroit Pistons took care of business on the road and reached a milestone the franchise hasn't seen in nearly two decades. They blew out the Washington Wizards , 117-95, to improve to 50-19 overall. It's their first 50-win season since the 2007-08 season; they will add to the total with 13 games remaining.

Jalen Duren stepped up in Cunningham's absence with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Paul Reed added 17 points, and Caris LeVert (14 points, six assists, five rebounds) and Kevin Huerter (14 points, four steals) delivered off of the bench. The Pistons led by 21 points after the first quarter, 35-14, and never trailed despite the Wizards cutting it to six on multiple occasions.

Detroit outscored Washington in the fourth quarter, 29-17, and pulled away after the Wizards cut it to 82-76 late in the third period. MEDICAL ADVICE: Cade Cunningham has collapsed lung; a doc explains what that means Detroit Pistons picture The Pistons’ 50-win season is their since 2007-08, which was also the last time the franchise won a playoff series, just two seasons after finishing with just 14 victories. It also stretched their lead over the Boston Celtics in the race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference to four games, and their lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Central Division to eight games.

Next up for the Pistons The Pistons won’t have much time to soak it in; they return to Little Caesars Arena to host the Golden State Warriors (minus Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Al Horford) on Friday (7:30 p. m. , FanDuel Sports Network Detroit).