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

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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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 returns from 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 have been consistent, avoiding any real losing streaks, and have been dominant against teams with winning records. With the playoffs on the horizon, Detroit is poised to end its long postseason drought.

Why it matters

The Pistons' resurgence is a remarkable story, as they have gone from one of the league's worst teams to the top of the standings in just a few years. This turnaround has energized the Detroit fanbase and could signal the return of the franchise to relevance after years of struggles. The team's success also has broader implications for the NBA landscape, as an unexpected contender emerges to challenge the league's traditional powers.

The details

Under the leadership of All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, the Pistons have transformed themselves into one of the league's most consistent and formidable teams. They have the fewest losses by 10 points or more and have been dominant against teams with winning records, going 17-6 in those matchups. The team's ability to bounce back from losses, going 11-2 after a defeat, has been a key factor in their success.

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

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' All-Star guard has been a key leader in the team's turnaround, helping to transform Detroit into one of the league's top contenders.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The defending champion Thunder are currently second in the NBA standings, just behind the Pistons, setting up a potential clash between the two teams in the playoffs.

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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. There were times they didn't like how we played. We figured it out, and now we have something going, something building. Just have to keep going now.”

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

What’s next

The Pistons will look to maintain their lead atop the NBA standings as the season enters the home stretch, with a potential playoff matchup against the defending champion Thunder looming on the horizon.

The takeaway

The Pistons' stunning turnaround from one of the league's worst teams to the current leaders of the NBA is a testament to the team's resilience, coaching, and the emergence of star player Cade Cunningham. This resurgence has energized the Detroit fanbase and could signal the return of the franchise to the upper echelon of the league.