Detroit Pistons’ Remarkable Turnaround: From Historic Lows to Playoff Contenders

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Just one year after enduring one of the worst stretches in NBA history, the Detroit Pistons have transformed into a competitive force, boasting a 20-19 record 39 games into the 2024-25 season. The team’s resurgence comes after a dismal 3-36 start in the 2023-24 campaign, which included a record-breaking 28-game losing streak.

The Pistons’ turnaround has been fueled by standout performances from their young core, led by Cade Cunningham. The 22-year-old guard notched his seventh triple-double of the season on Saturday night, contributing 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 17 assists in a victory over the Toronto Raptors. Tim Hardaway Jr. also shined, scoring a game-high 27 points, including seven 3-pointers.

Detroit’s improvement is no fluke. Cunningham has emerged as a legitimate star, while supporting players like Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, and Malik Beasley have provided consistent contributions. Beasley, primarily coming off the bench, is averaging 16.3 points per game and shooting 39.6% from beyond the arc. Even without Jaden Ivey, who has been sidelined since Jan. 1 with a fractured fibula, the Pistons have won nine of their last 11 games.

Last season’s struggles now seem like a distant memory. The Pistons’ front office, once focused on simply making the play-in tournament, now faces heightened expectations. With the trade deadline approaching on Feb. 6, Detroit’s decisions could determine whether the team contends for a playoff series or settles for a modest postseason appearance.

Regardless of how the season unfolds, the Pistons have already taken a significant step forward. From historic lows to playoff aspirations, Detroit’s resurgence has been one of the NBA’s most compelling stories this season.