New York — The NBA created the Emirates NBA Cup to provide new energy to the regular season. But for the Detroit Pistons, the in-season tournament has been more of a tone-setter over the past two years. The Pistons entered the tournament Friday against the Brooklyn Nets as one of the hottest teams in the league. They had won four consecutive games en route to their best start since 2008 with a 6-2 record.

Unlike the previous two years, the in-season tournament will not serve as a way for Detroit to find its form. The Pistons are utilizing the tournament to further develop the strong foundation that has them building toward a higher level.

“If you can get off to a good start with so many games, then you are in a situation where you can continue building,” Isaiah Stewart told The Detroit N

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