From Bottom to Bound for Glory: Pistons Secure Playoff Spot After Stunning Turnaround

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TORONTO (AP) — Just one year after wrapping up the season with the lowest record in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons are set to make their playoff return for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

The Pistons clinched their playoff spot with a 117-105 victory over Toronto on Friday night.

Historically, no NBA team has transitioned from a prior season’s worst record—like Detroit’s 14 wins last year—to securing a playoff position in the subsequent season.

“It’s significant,” remarked J.B. Bickerstaff, the first-year head coach of the Pistons. “We usually don’t take time to look back on our journey, but this is a moment for the team to reflect on its progress, where it began, and what it has achieved together. The ability to turn things around and earn a chance to compete in the playoffs is a considerable accomplishment.”

Jalen Duren of the Pistons, who recorded 21 points and 18 rebounds on Friday, expressed his satisfaction in reaching the playoffs after struggling with no more than 17 wins in his first two seasons. The Pistons currently boast a 43-34 record with five games left in the regular season.

“Critics were skeptical,” Duren stated. “They didn’t have faith in us. They thought it would take longer to turn things around, but look at us now.

“We’re just getting started. We’ll take a moment to relish what we’ve achieved, but it’s only the beginning. Our ultimate aim is, of course, to bring championships back to our city.”

The Pistons secured the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated by Milwaukee in the first round of the 2019 playoffs. Prior to that, Detroit’s last two playoff stints also resulted in eighth-place finishes and first-round exits, both against Cleveland, in 2016 and 2009.

The last time the Pistons won a playoff series was during the 2007-08 season when they finished second in the East, winning series against Philadelphia and Orlando before falling to Boston in the conference finals.

Duren emphasized that reaching the playoffs is not the end goal for the Pistons.

“We’re pleased, but everyone’s mindset here is that this isn’t about winning a championship yet,” Duren added. “We still have more to accomplish.”