Detroit Pistons clinch Central Division after years of struggle

DETROIT: The Detroit Pistons have ended nearly two decades of disappointment by claiming the NBA Central Division title, defeating the Toronto Raptors 127-116 on Tuesday, marking the franchise’s first division crown since the 2007-08 season.

Pistons coach Bickerstaff praised his young team’s growth and milestones while emphasising that their success is just one step in an ongoing process.

"You take pride in understanding how hard it is to do these things in this league," Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the game.

"You take pride in the fact that you have a group of young men who have grown and achieved certain milestones.

"It's a part of the process, and we expect more."

Just two years after a franchise-worst 14-68 season, during which they lost 28 consecutive games, the Pistons now boast a 55-21 record with two All-Stars, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren.

With Cunningham sidelined by a lung injury, Duren delivered a stellar performance against the Raptors, scoring 31 points on 12-of-13 shooting and adding nine rebounds.

Daniss Jenkins, who began the season on a two-way contract, contributed 21 points and five assists. Since stepping into the starting point guard role, he is averaging 18.6 points and 6.9 assists.

Reflecting on the franchise’s rollercoaster history, the Pistons have overcome a decade of instability and one of the worst five-year stretches in NBA history, which included a record 68 losses in 2023-24.

Last season, Cunningham and Duren guided the team to a 30-win improvement before a first-round playoff exit to the New York Knicks.