The NBA’s Most Surprising Story: Detroit Pistons’ Meteoric Rise
The 2025 NBA season has been filled with exciting storylines, but one team stands out from the rest: the Detroit Pistons. Their recent 10-2 stretch, including a thrilling win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, has catapulted them into the spotlight.
A Closer Look at the Pistons’ Success
Since the calendar flipped to 2025, the Pistons have gone 7-1, boasting the 7th-ranked offense and 5th-best true shooting percentage in the league. They’ve notched impressive wins over top teams like Phoenix, Orlando, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Minnesota, and New York. Their 21-19 record is a remarkable improvement from last season’s dismal 14-win campaign.
Comparing the Pistons to Other Teams
The Pistons’ 12-13 record against teams with a.500 or better record is more impressive than that of several playoff contenders, including Orlando, Milwaukee, Miami, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Phoenix. They’ve also matched the win total of teams like New York, Indiana, Memphis, Dallas, and Golden State.
What’s Behind the Pistons’ Turnaround?
Coach JB Bickerstaff’s expertise in rebuilding teams has been instrumental in the Pistons’ success. His track record in Memphis and Cleveland demonstrates his ability to improve teams significantly over time. The Pistons’ 21-19 start is on pace for a 43-win season, their highest total since 2015-16.
The addition of Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. has brought much-needed shooting to the team, with Beasley shooting an impressive 40% from deep. Cade Cunningham’s 3-point shooting has also improved significantly, jumping from 35% to 38%. The team’s overall 3-point shooting percentage has risen from 34.8% (26th in the league) to 36.9% (11th in the league).
Playoff Chances and Beyond
The Pistons currently sit in 8th place, tied in the loss column with the 4th-seeded Magic. With several games remaining against teams in the 4-9 seed range, including Orlando, Indiana, Milwaukee, Miami, and Atlanta, the Pistons have a legitimate shot at finishing top 6, and possibly even top 4. Their projected cap space for the summer also makes them an attractive destination for free agents.
The Pistons’ remarkable turnaround is a testament to the NBA’s competitive balance. Teams once thought to be struggling are now putting up impressive performances, making the league more exciting than ever. It’s time to take notice of the Pistons and their playoff chances – they’re not just a feel-good story, but a legitimate contender.
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