With their win in Toronto on Friday, the Pistons have officially clinched a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference, securing their first playoff berth since the 2018/19 season (Twitter link).
It’s the latest achievement in what has been a remarkable turnaround for the Pistons, who posted the worst record in the NBA – and the worst mark in franchise history – a year ago when they went 14-68. Detroit has more than tripled that win total this season, sitting at 43-34 with five games still to play.
The Pistons’ bounce-back season has been driven by an All-NBA caliber performance from former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, though he wasn’t in action in Friday’s playoff clincher, having missed his sixth consecutive game due to a left calf contusion.
Instead, it was rising third-year center Jalen Duren (21 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, four blocks), Sixth Man of the Year contender Malik Beasley (21 points), and veteran role player Tim Hardaway Jr. (23 points) who played key roles in the 117-105 win over the Raptors.
Veteran forward Tobias Harris and second-year wing Ausar Thompson are among the other most important contributors in Detroit, along with veteran guard Dennis Schröder, who has taken on a role similar to the one Jaden Ivey played before breaking his leg in January.
While the Pistons have now secured their spot in the postseason, their exact seed in the Eastern Conference is still to be determined.
Friday’s victory moves them a half-game ahead of the 42-34 Bucks for the No. 5 spot, which would likely line them up for a first-round date with the No. 4 Pacers. Sliding to No. 6 would probably result in a matchup with the Knicks in round one, though neither New York nor Indiana is officially locked into its seed yet.
As Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press notes, the Timberwolves are now assured of receiving the Pistons’ 2025 first-round pick, which had been top-13 protected.
Nice, that’s awesome for long suffering Pistons fans.
See you in the 1st rd
-indy
This should be a great first round matchup and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the Pistons and Knicks in the second round.
Indy went to ECF last yr they got experience
And home court. They are 2nd best home tm in east. Better than knicks, celtics
Indy will W in 5. Also knicks are 3seed so they wouldnt play indy/det
4/5 seed plays cavs 2nd rd
Indiana has many legit 3 threats. If Detroit is at full health and can stay out of foul trouble, they can defend that and dominate the paint, making it a tough series. If not, it’s a short series Indiana on top.
Also will be chippy as the teams were at each other last time they faced.
@smokey
Always chippy
For 20+ yrs
I’m speechless…they will make a documentary about this season for sure
That 2018/19 team barely even counts lol, go look at that roster.
Thanks Silver