By George Eichorn
Detroit Pistons playoff basketball is back! The team opens with Game 1 in the NBA first-round series on Sunday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. (NBC and 97.1 The Ticket). Their opponent will be either Charlotte, Miami, Orlando or Philadelphia. For only the third time in franchise history the Detroit Pistons won 60 games for the first time in 20 seasons. And how is this? Just two seasons ago Detroit only won 14 games, losing 28 games in a row during a stretch, while becoming a laughingstock. Not anymore.
These Pistons of 2025-26 are talented, tough and strong enough to muscle their way to NBA Finals contention. In just two years a dramatic turnaround has not gone unnoticed. Detroit earned its 12th division title yet its first since 2008; the last time they won a playoff series, spanning 18 years.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Basketball operations executive Trajan Langdon have built the Pistons into a feared team. For four months Detroit has held the top spot in the Eastern Conference. After losing to the New York Knick one season ago in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Pistons fans are looking for much more this postseason.
Floor leader Cade Cunningham, a two-time NBA All-Star Game participant, missed 11 games late in the season after suffering a collapsed lung. He returned for the final three Pistons regular season games and felt good about his return.
“I felt really good. I feel like I got some really good cardio in today,” Cunningham told the media. “Everything felt good. I feel like all the training and stuff I’ve been doing had me in a great place where I was comfortable for all of my minutes.”
Joining Cunningham as probable starters are all-star center Jalen Duran who has become a dynamic player and a go-to target of Cunningham’s many assists. Duran averages 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. His 65% field goal rate is the NBA’s fourth highest.
Former U-M Wolverine Duncan Robinson averages 12 points and is a solid three-point shooter. The starting forwards are Tobias Harris (13.3 ppg) and Ausar Thompson (10 ppg).
“Beef Stew” Isaiah Stewart is a talented presence at center and one who likes “mixing it up” in the paint. He has been suspended several times due to his aggressive play. Also coming off the bench: Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, Ron Holland II, Caris LaVert – another Wolverine – Marcus Sasser, Paul Reed, Tolu Smith and Isaac Jones. Jenkins has been on fire, averaging 14.5 ppg in his last 10 games earning a new contract.
In February, Langdon obtained guard/small forward Kevin Huerter, a career 36.8% three-point shooter. Detroit is his fourth team in eight seasons. Jaden Ivey was dealt away.
Attendance at Little Caesars Arena has been excellent as the Pistons posted the fourth highest overall attendance in the NBA. From announcer Mason (“DEE-TROIT basketball) to the cheer squad and halftime shows, the Pistons are fan favorites in beautiful downtown Detroit. Although the hockey Red Wings have never hosted a postseason game the Pistons will host their third such playoff series.
Reach George Eichorn at geichorn@yahoo.com or Sandgsports99 on X (Twitter).
