It took the Pistons awhile, but they're showing that some lottery luck and smart personnel moves can lead to a big turnaround.

Cade Cunningham had 27 points and 10 assists, and the Detroit Pistons beat NBA-worst Washington 123-103 in a physical game that included two late flagrant fouls by the Wizards.

Not long ago, the Detroit Pistons were in a situation similar to the Washington Wizards. A year ago today, the Pistons had the worst record in the league at 11-53 and recognized that their opponents never regarded them as a respectable team.