The Detroit Pistons clinched first place in the Eastern Conference one week before the end of the regular season – a result that looked unlikely just days ago after a lung collapse sidelined their star, Cade Cunningham.
And yet, in their toughest moment, the strongest response arrived.
Home-court advantage secured through the Finals
A 116-93 win over the Philadelphia 76ers sealed the top seed, guaranteeing home-court advantage throughout the Eastern playoffs – something Detroit hadn’t achieved since the 2006-07 season.
Even without Cunningham, the team has found consistency:
7 wins in the last 9 games with the only two losses coming in overtime (one against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder).
Team growth without Cunningham
Before his injury, Cunningham was averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assist, with one of the highest usage rates in the league. His absence forced Detroit to evolve.
The result? A more balanced offense and shared responsibilities:
- Jalen Duren stepped up: 23 points and 11 rebounds per game on 66% shooting
- Daniss Jenkins took advantage: 19.3 points and over 7 assists including 14 in the last game
- Tobias Harris continues to provide veteran stability
“Tougher, grittier”: the Pistons’ new mindset
Ausar Thompsondefensive leader and one of the NBA’s top players in steals, explained the shift:
With Cade we were more relaxed – we knew we had a superstar. Without him, we realized we had to be more gritty, tougher. We had to make up for it on defense
Ausar Thompson
Detroit has indeed shifted gears defensively:
- Top 3 defense in the NBA during Cunningham’s absence
- Opponents slowed down and forced into difficult shots
- Philadelphia held to just 12 points in the fourth quarter
Thompson was clear about the goal:
We want to keep every team under 100 points. We did that
Ausar Thompson
Defense, but also shooting improvement
Alongside defensive intensity, the Pistons have addressed another key weakness: three-point shooting.
- 38.8% from beyond the arc in recent games
- After ranking near the bottom of the league for most of the season
A sign of a more complete team at the most crucial time.
Tobias Harris’ message
For Tobias Harris, the team’s response has been mostly mental:
Cade went down, but we didn’t take a step back. We wanted to show everyone who we are
Tobias Harris
Returning to Philadelphia – welcomed by boos – also served as an emotional test:
It’s preparation for the playoffs. Intense atmospheres, pressure – you have to use them to grow
Tobias Harris
Looking ahead: waiting for Cunningham’s return
Cunningham will be reevaluated in the coming days, with the goal of being ready for Game 1.
In the meantime, Detroit has discovered something valuable: they can win even without their star building a more solid identity that doesn’t rely on a single player.
And when he returns?
It’s Thompson again to say it:
I can’t wait. He’ll give us even more energy – and he’ll lead us
Ausar Thompson
The paradox is clear: without their star, the Pistons have become more complete.
Comments are closed.