Detroit Pistons are 2 wins from a milestone two decades in the making

The Pistons are on the verge of their most successful season in nearly 20 years, but they aren't in a celebratory mood.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:07am

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The Detroit Pistons are approaching significant milestones, including the possibility of a 50-win or even 60-win season, which would be their best in nearly two decades. However, the team is focused on sustaining their success and preparing for the playoffs, rather than celebrating their rapid growth. Despite being comfortably the No. 1 team in the East, the Pistons are not satisfied and are openly talking about winning championships.

Why it matters

The Pistons' turnaround from a 14-win season just two years ago to being a top contender in the East is a remarkable achievement. Their defensive identity and physical style of play have powered their success, making them a team that plays like the platonic ideal of a Pistons team. This transformation has raised expectations both externally and internally, with the team now focused on making a deep playoff run rather than just being happy to make the postseason.

The details

The Pistons' 126-110 rout of the Memphis Grizzlies on March 13 brought them to 48-18, easily the franchise's best win total in two decades. With 16 regular-season games remaining, a 50-win season is a certainty, and a 60-win season is a possibility. This is the most successful Pistons team since the 2007-08 season, when they won 59 games and made their last Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The team's offseason moves, including the additions of Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, and Javonte Green, were viewed as prudent but unlikely to add many wins. However, the Pistons have emerged as one of the league's top defensive units, with Jalen Duren joining Cade Cunningham as an NBA All-Star.

  • On March 13, the Pistons defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 126-110.
  • The Pistons have 16 regular-season games remaining.

The players

Jalen Duren

A Pistons player who led the team with 30 points and 13 rebounds against the Grizzlies.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' leading scorer last season, who has emerged as an NBA All-Star alongside Jalen Duren.

Trajan Langdon

The Pistons' president of basketball operations, who made prudent offseason moves that have contributed to the team's success.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The Pistons' head coach, who has overseen the team's defensive improvements.

Ausar Thompson

A Pistons player who has a claim as the league's best perimeter defender.

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What they’re saying

“I think we celebrate the small wins. The main focus is to keep succeeding, keep getting better as we move into the postseason. Staying healthy.”

— Jalen Duren (freep.com)

“Last year we were happy to win. We were happy to win, happy to get to the playoffs. We have bigger aspirations this year. It's not just getting to the playoffs. It's our run, trying to bring this Larry O'Brien Trophy back to Detroit. It's one day at a time and we're ready to embrace this journey.”

— Isaiah Stewart (freep.com)

“They've carried themselves like it's a team that knows how to win. I don't think any of this is new, especially with their playoff experience coming from last year. That losing season, the 14-whatever season they had, that feels like a long time ago now. There's guys in the locker room that remember it, but this team carries themselves every day by going in and trying to win every game they attack every day.”

— Kevin Huerter (freep.com)

What’s next

The Pistons will face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, March 15, as they continue their push towards a potential 50-win or even 60-win season.

The takeaway

The Detroit Pistons' remarkable turnaround from a 14-win season just two years ago to being a top contender in the East highlights the team's defensive identity and physical style of play, which have powered their success. However, the Pistons are not satisfied with just making the playoffs, as they have their sights set on a deep postseason run and potentially winning a championship, raising the expectations both internally and externally.