Pistons, Spurs rise to top of NBA Power Rankings post-All-Star Break

The Thunder and Knicks fall as new teams take over the top spots in the rankings

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs have surpassed the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder to take over the top spots in the NBA Power Rankings following the All-Star break. The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, have emerged as one of the league's surprise teams, while the Spurs have continued their strong season with impressive wins over star-laden opponents. The Thunder, who started the season 24-1, have struggled of late and lost their spot atop the rankings.

Why it matters

The rise of the Pistons and Spurs shakes up the NBA landscape, with two upstart teams challenging the league's traditional powers. This could signal a shift in the balance of power, with new contenders emerging and the defending champions facing adversity. The rankings also highlight the parity in the league, with no clear dominant team emerging so far this season.

The details

The Pistons have been one of the league's hottest teams, joining the '40 before 20' club alongside the Thunder. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff led the winning Stars squad at the All-Star Game, with Cunningham and Duren on the roster. The Spurs, meanwhile, have beaten the Pistons four times this season and are now ranked above them, with Mitch Johnson arguing that Victor Wembanyama should be leading the MVP race. The Thunder, despite their early dominance, have gone just 7-7 over their last 14 games and lost at home to the Bucks before the break.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.