DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons are off to their best start in two decades, a dramatic turnaround that has the city buzzing.
With a 10-2 record through the early weeks of the 2025-26 season, the Pistons are enjoying their best opening stretch since 2005-06 when they finished first in the Eastern Conference.
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“There’s a grit to them, there’s a toughness to them. I couldn’t be more proud of their effort,” said J.B. Bickerstaff after the Pistons’ big overtime win against the Washington Wizards on Monday.
From rock bottom to early resurgence
Two seasons ago, the Pistons posted the worst record in franchise history, finishing 14-68 and enduring the longest single season losing streak in NBA annals.
The front office responded with extensive changes, hiring coach J.B. Bickerstaff and renewing focus on player development.
The start the Pistons are off to reflect a team that has discovered both confidence and cohesion.
What’s propelling the start
Key factors:
- Cade Cunningham is delivering at a high level, creating offense not only by himself, but with his teammates through assists.
- Jalen Duren is thriving, becoming a cornerstone through rebounds, scoring around the rim, and defense.
- The coaching staff has instilled discipline and seen a significant improvement in execution in late-game situations.
The result: the Pistons are stringing together wins with a consistency they haven’t shown in years.
Keeping perspective
While the early record is exciting, there is still caution in the air. Paced over a full 82-game season the start suggests promise, but they must maintain pace for the long haul.
Executives and coaching staff alike stress that playoffs and meaningful postseason success are the next goals.
Why this matters
For Detroit, the story is as much about redemption as about wins. The organization has endured several challenging years, long since departing their glory days in the early 2000s.
If this strong start holds, it could mark a turning point for a franchise ready to climb back into relevance in the Eastern Conference. For fans that have endured years of frustration, the excitement is real.