Cade Cunningham continues to make waves in what is shaping up to be a career year, capping off a thrilling game on Wednesday night with a dramatic game-winning three-pointer that sank the Miami Heat just before the buzzer. This clutch moment exemplifies not just Cunningham’s talent, but the grit and determination of the entire Pistons squad.
With that victory, Detroit improved to 39-31, placing them just a game shy of the coveted fourth seed in a tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff race alongside heavy hitters like the Bucks and Pacers. It’s a remarkable turnaround for the Pistons, who are light years ahead of last season’s struggles, where they limped to a dismal 14-68 finish. This year, they’ve proved they can compete and have established themselves as a rising threat in the East—a team that could easily cause headaches for opponents in the postseason.
The buzz around Detroit isn’t just talk; the way they have executed their game this season suggests they have the potential for a playoff run reminiscent of the Atlanta Hawks’ surprising Eastern Conference Finals journey in 2021. Their ascent is exciting, especially coming from a franchise that hasn’t enjoyed significant recognition lately. The Pistons are on the radar—not just locally, but as a team that could surprise many in the playoffs.
A significant factor in their success has been their ability to secure crucial wins against Eastern Conference rivals. They’ve had notable victories against tough teams this year, including back-to-back wins over the Knicks and strong performances against the Lakers and Celtics. This winning formula against competitive teams bodes well as they look to navigate the postseason landscape.
If the playoffs started today, the Pistons would find themselves facing the Knicks in the first round. They’ve already bagged two wins against New York in their three meetings, establishing a psychological edge that could come into play. The Knicks have stumbled recently, dropping five of their last eight games and feeling the absence of Jalen Brunson. Without his playmaking presence, they’ve struggled to find consistency, especially against formidable squads.
Detroit basketball has long craved a return to the postseason glory days. It’s been nearly two decades since they’ve fielded a team of this caliber—the anticipation and excitement are palpable, especially among the fan base that yearns for playoff action.
Looking ahead, if progression continues, a potential second-round matchup with the Celtics seems likely—one that could stir up some competitive tension. The Celtics appear secured in the two seed and have historically had tough encounters with the Pistons. Though Detroit has only managed one victory in their last four against Boston, they’ve kept games close, hinting that they could stretch a series and not be easily dismissed.
Cade Cunningham is at the forefront of this resurgence, and his numbers speak volumes. Averaging 25.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, he has truly emerged as the franchise cornerstone. Unfortunately, the injury bug has struck the team hard, with Jaden Ivey out for the remainder of the season after a breakout early performance. Nonetheless, the energy in the backcourt with Cunningham offers hope and excitement for next year.
The addition of Tobias Harris has been impactful, while Jalen Duren is evolving into one of the league’s promising young big men. Detroit’s depth has been enhanced with key moves leading up to the trade deadline, including Dennis Schroder’s arrival and Malik Beasley’s stellar shooting, as he averages 16.2 points per game with an impressive three-point percentage nearing 42%. Even rookie Ausar Thompson has contributed defensively, providing essential energy to the roster.
According to FanDuel, the Pistons have the 14th best odds to snag the NBA Championship this year at +30000. While making deep playoff noise may still be a stretch, just getting past the first round could provide invaluable momentum heading into next season. With some strategic offseason moves and a healthier roster, the Pistons could emerge as a top-tier contender in the Eastern Conference.
As the postseason looms near, keep your eye on this Pistons squad; they may just pull off some surprises and set the stage for a promising 2025-26 season. This team is ready to disrupt the narrative, and the hungry fanbase is eager to see how far they can take it.
