From rock bottom to playoff-bound, Detroit Pistons fans finally have reason to believe again after their team sealed a postseason return just one year after owning the NBA’s worst record.
With a 117-105 win over the Toronto Raptors, the Pistons secured their first playoff appearance since the 2018-19 season. It marks an extraordinary rise for a franchise that managed just 14 wins last year, now sitting at 43-34 with five games still to play.
“This is an opportunity for this group to reflect on where it is, where it’s come from and what it’s been able to accomplish together,” said head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, in his debut season with Detroit. “To turn it around the way they have and put themselves in this position…it’s a big deal.”
Jalen Duren, powered the Pistons with 21 points and 18 rebounds. The 20-year-old has endured back-to-back losing seasons since entering the league, making this moment even sweeter. “People doubted us,” Duren said. “They didn’t believe. But we’re here.”
Detroit’s climb is historic. No team in NBA history has gone from fewer than 15 wins to a playoff spot the very next season. The last three times the Pistons reached the postseason, they were swept in the first round twice by Cleveland, once by Milwaukee.
This version feels different. There’s youth, belief, and a hunger that’s hard to miss. “We’re not done yet,” Duren added. “We’re going to enjoy it, but the real goal is to bring championships back to our city.”
There’s no guarantee how far this team can go, but for a fanbase long starved of hope, this feels like a long-awaited turning point. One they’ll remember, whatever happens next.
