Pistons Become First Eastern Conference Club to Clinch 2026 Playoff Spot
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DETROIT — The Pistons locked up an NBA postseason berth Friday night, outlasting Golden State to become the first Eastern Conference team assured of a 2026 playoff spot.
The 110-97 victory came without injured starters Cade Cunningham (collapsed lung) and Isaiah Stewart (calf strain), yet Detroit still moved to 51-19 behind several standout efforts. Center Jalen Duren delivered a team-high 23 points in just 21 minutes, rookie guard Daniss Jenkins added 22 points along with eight assists and seven rebounds, and forward Ausar Thompson collected a career-best seven steals.
“They’ve been one of the most connected teams I’ve ever been around,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the game. “The spirit they play with every night is just different here.”
Friday’s result kept Detroit four games clear of Boston for the No. 1 seed in the East. Only Western Conference rivals Oklahoma City and San Antonio, who clinched earlier in the week, own better league records.
Even if Detroit stumbles through a challenging remaining schedule, the club cannot finish lower than sixth, guaranteeing a top-six playoff seed. The milestone continues a rapid turnaround for a franchise that posted the NBA’s worst mark at 14-68 two seasons ago. The Pistons improved by 30 wins last year, going 44-38 before falling to New York in the first round, and now have a realistic chance to surpass 60 victories.
Source: Hoops Rumors
