Detroit Pistons Surge to NBA's Best Record

Pistons enter post-All-Star play with the league's top record, ahead of defending champion Thunder

Feb. 18, 2026 at 10:31pm

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The Detroit Pistons, a franchise that last won a playoff series in 2008, have the best record in the NBA at 40-13 as the league resumes play after the All-Star break. This is a stunning turnaround for a team that had the worst record in franchise history just four years ago. The Pistons, led by All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, have been consistent all season, avoiding any real losing streaks and competing well against top teams. With the playoffs looming, Detroit is poised to end its long postseason drought.

Why it matters

The Pistons' resurgence is a remarkable story, as they've gone from one of the league's worst teams to the top of the standings in just a few years. Their success challenges the conventional wisdom that rebuilding takes time, and shows the impact strong leadership and player development can have. Detroit's turnaround also has major implications for the playoff race, as the Pistons look to end their 14-year drought and potentially make a deep postseason run.

The details

The Pistons' remarkable turnaround has been fueled by their consistency and ability to win close games. They are 11-2 after a loss and have an NBA-low three double-digit defeats. Detroit has also thrived against top competition, posting a league-best 17-6 record against teams .500 or better. All-Star Cade Cunningham has led the way, emerging as a star in his third NBA season and helping transform the Pistons into a legitimate contender.

  • Four years ago, the Pistons had the worst record in franchise history at the All-Star break.
  • Two years ago, Detroit's record at the All-Star break was even worse.
  • This season, the Pistons enter the post-All-Star stretch with the NBA's best record at 40-13.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' All-Star guard has emerged as a star in his third NBA season, leading Detroit's remarkable turnaround.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder star is the reigning NBA scoring champion and is in a tight race with the Lakers' Luka Doncic for this season's title.

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What they’re saying

“We're just going to run our race. We like where we're at, and we're going to continue to try to finish our season strong.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons All-Star guard (Instagram)

“It's been hard. It's been a long journey so far, but just going to work every day, finding ways to connect with my teammates, connect with the city the best I can, and bring wins to the city. That's what the city respects and loves is people that go out there and compete every day.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons All-Star guard (Instagram)

What’s next

The Pistons will look to maintain their hold on the NBA's best record as the season enters its final stretch. Their success has put them in position to end their 14-year playoff drought and potentially make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

The Pistons' stunning turnaround from one of the league's worst teams to the current leader of the pack is a remarkable story of resilience, player development, and the power of strong leadership. Their success challenges the conventional wisdom around rebuilding and shows that with the right plan and execution, even the most downtrodden franchises can quickly become contenders.