TITLE: Bickerstaff says Pistons’ 60th victory is only the beginning
SLUG: pistons-bickerstaff-work-not-finished
CONTENT:
Detroit clinched its third 60-win season in franchise history on Sunday, defeating the Indiana Pacers to lock up the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Despite the milestone, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff made it clear the celebration will be short-lived. “It’s a sign of the work that’s been done by everybody who’s a part of this—front office, coaching staff, players, medical staff,” Bickerstaff told reporters, according to The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson. “But again, our work’s not done.”
The Pistons have maintained that approach all year. Veteran forward Tobias Harris praised the roster’s composure through early-season injuries and lineup changes. “I think we’ve done a great job of handling success this season,” Harris said. “Everybody just stepped up and has been super supportive of the next guy getting ready. Some amazing stories have come about from our group, so we just embrace all of it.”
Perspective hangs over Detroit’s latest achievement. The club exited in the first round of last year’s playoffs and had posted the worst record in franchise history the season before that. Guard Cade Cunningham said the group welcomes the heightened stakes. “Playoffs, man. We’re excited about it,” Cunningham noted. “It’s been a great regular season. Now it’s time for the real fun.”
Detroit will await its first-round opponent as the postseason bracket is finalized.
Source: Hoops Wire
