Pistons Clinch Eastern Conference Title, Duren Reflects on Proving Doubters Wrong

Detroit secures No. 1 seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 season

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Detroit Pistons have clinched the Eastern Conference title and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, marking a remarkable turnaround for the franchise. All-Star center Jalen Duren, who has been a key part of the Pistons' resurgence, reflected on how the team proved doubters wrong after being laughed at two years ago.

Why it matters

The Pistons' return to prominence in the Eastern Conference is a significant achievement, as the franchise had fallen on hard times in recent years. Their ability to overcome adversity, including injuries to key players, and embrace a 'next man up' mentality has been crucial to their success.

The details

The Pistons secured the Eastern Conference title with a 116-93 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, giving them a 4.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics. Duren, who has spent his entire four-year career with the Pistons, was a key part of the team's turnaround after a dismal 2023-24 season that included a 28-game losing streak. The Pistons opted to rebuild around their drafted core, bringing in new leadership and embracing a winning identity despite the challenges.

  • The Pistons clinched the Eastern Conference title on April 5, 2026.
  • Two years ago, the Pistons were being laughed at and doubted by critics.

The players

Jalen Duren

A 22-year-old All-Star center who has been a focal point of the Pistons' turnaround since being drafted in 2022. He has spent his entire career with the Pistons.

Tobias Harris

A veteran forward for the Pistons who has emphasized the team's 'next man up' mentality and their focus on improving their style of play on both ends of the court.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' franchise point guard who has been sidelined with an injury but is expected to be ready for the playoffs.

Isaiah Stewart

Another Pistons player who has been dealing with an injury but is expected to be available for the postseason.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The Pistons' current head coach, who has helped guide the team to their Eastern Conference title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Two years ago, they were laughing at us. They didn't believe in the vision. They didn't think we were going to be good enough. They thought it was going to take longer. But we just put the work in, and we're just happy. We're going to take it with a grain of salt and keep moving forward.”

— Jalen Duren, Pistons All-Star Center

“We didn't take a backseat-type mentality. Let's go show everybody that we can ball. Let's go show everybody what our style of play is made of and the confidence that we have in each other. We just continue to preach it every single day and go about our business working. I just think the way that we play basketball, our style of play on the defensive end and then on the offensive end, and we continue to improve on taking huge strides. We're just working. We're finding ways to get better as a group.”

— Tobias Harris, Pistons Veteran Forward

What’s next

The Pistons will now focus on their first-round playoff matchup against the New York Knicks. There is hope that injured players like Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart will be ready to go by the time the postseason begins.

The takeaway

The Pistons' return to the top of the Eastern Conference is a testament to their resilience and ability to overcome adversity. After being doubted and laughed at just two years ago, the team has embraced a winning mentality and proven that their vision for the franchise's future was well-founded.