Javonte Green gave Pistons fans a moment to remember Monday night - and gave Derrick White a highlight he’ll probably try to forget. Midway through the fourth quarter of Detroit’s matchup with Boston, Green picked Payton Pritchard’s pocket, sprinted ahead in transition, and took flight. One dribble, one leap, and one emphatic one-handed dunk later, Green was on every highlight reel in the country - with White caught on the wrong end of the poster.
Now in his seventh NBA season and first with Detroit, Green has bounced around the league, suiting up for five different teams. But plays like this - explosive, momentum-shifting, and undeniably electric - are exactly what the Pistons have been hoping to get from him as they look to solidify their place atop the East.
That dunk wasn’t just a personal highlight; it was part of a bigger statement. The Pistons outlasted the Celtics 112-105, notching a win that showed off their depth, ball movement, and ability to respond after a slow start. Detroit trailed 35-33 after the first quarter, but from that point on, they controlled the tempo, outscoring Boston across the final three quarters and closing the game with poise.
The difference-makers? Perimeter shooting and unselfish offense.
The Pistons knocked down 13 threes and racked up 21 assists, spreading the floor and keeping Boston’s defense in constant motion. The Celtics, meanwhile, struggled to keep pace from deep (10 made threes) and finished with just 16 assists - a sign of how Detroit disrupted their rhythm.
Cade Cunningham led the charge, and he did it in superstar fashion. The former No. 1 pick dropped 32 points, dished out 10 assists, grabbed four boards, and added a steal for good measure.
He was efficient and in control all night, shooting 11-of-21 from the field, including a scorching 6-of-10 from three-point range. He also went a perfect 4-of-4 at the line.
This was the kind of performance that reminds you why Cunningham is the engine of this team - and why the Pistons are where they are.
Tobias Harris chipped in with 13 points and seven rebounds, giving Detroit a steady veteran presence. Caris LeVert matched him with 13 points and added a pair of assists, while Jaden Ivey contributed 10 points and three assists off the bench, continuing to show his value as a dynamic secondary playmaker.
With the win, Detroit improved to 21-5 on the season, holding firm atop the Eastern Conference standings. They sit 2.5 games ahead of the New York Knicks and 5.5 games clear of the Toronto Raptors - a comfortable cushion, but one that will be tested as the season wears on.
Next up: a road test in Dallas. The Pistons head to Texas to face the Mavericks on December 18 at 8:30 p.m.
ET, looking to keep their momentum rolling. If Green keeps flying, and Cunningham keeps orchestrating like this, Detroit’s not just winning games - they’re building something real.