Detroit Pistons win their first division title in 18 years
The Pistons end a long drought by capturing the Central division, their first divisional title since the 2007-2008 season thanks to a 127-116 victory against Toronto.
Mar 31, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes (4) dribbles the ball at center court during player introductions during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © David Reginek-Imagn Images
After nearly two decades of waiting and struggles, the Detroit Pistons have returned to the top of the Central division. The Michigan team secured its first division title since the 2007-2008 season by defeating the Toronto Raptors 127-116 on Tuesday.
A spectacular renaissance after difficult years
This victory marks the culmination of a spectacular comeback for a franchise that had hit rock bottom just two years ago. In 2023-2024, Detroit experienced one of the worst seasons in NBA history with a catastrophic record of 14 wins and 68 losses, tying the league record with 28 consecutive defeats.
Today, the Pistons boast an impressive record of 55 wins and 21 losses and can count on two All-Stars: Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Against the Raptors, it was Duren who shined with 31 points on 12/13 shooting and 9 rebounds, compensating for the absence of Cunningham, who is dealing with a lung injury.
« He is so talented, » declared coach J.B. Bickerstaff about Duren. « He’s a different type of center than what you see in the NBA. You have centers who play away from the basket and others close to the rim, but when you have someone who can do both, he creates problems for opponents. »
PISTONS CLINCH THE CENTRAL DIVISION FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2007-08 🤯
Is Detroit the team to beat in the Eastern Conference? pic.twitter.com/ZoH2m3Tpiv
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 1, 2026
Ambitions that go beyond the division title
Daniss Jenkins, who started the season with a two-way contract, also contributed to this victory with 21 points and 5 assists. Since replacing Cunningham as the starting point guard, he’s averaging 18.6 points and 6.9 assists.
« We knew we were trying to do something special this year, » Jenkins shared. « It’s great to accomplish something like this, but we have our eyes set on the playoffs and we want to make noise there. We’re going to celebrate tonight and get back to work tomorrow. »
For Bickerstaff, this title represents much more than just a reward: « You’re proud to understand how difficult it is to do these things in this league. You’re proud to have a group of young men who have grown up and achieved certain goals. This is part of the process, and we expect more. »
The last time Detroit won the Central division, in 2007-2008 with a 59-23 record, the team still had most of the 2004 championship players. After a decade of mediocrity and five catastrophic years with a cumulative record of 94-290, the Pistons have finally regained their former glory.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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