Pistons Near 60 Wins as 25-26 Season Closes
With just one game left during the regular season, the Detroit Pistons are sitting at 59-22, on the edge of a 60-win season that reflects how controlled and complete their year has been. They have a chance to hit 60 wins for the first time since the 2005-2006 season. This hasn’t been a team carried by streaks or individual explosions, but rather one that has consistently executed its style regardless of opponent. They’ve made limited mistakes, defended at a high level, and kept games within their control from start to finish. That approach has allowed them to stay firmly on top of the Eastern Conference standings for weeks. Hitting 60 wins would be significant, but the bigger takeaway is how stable they’ve looked over the full season. The Pistons returning to full strength, the team’s late-season form reflects a roster finally coming together at the right time.
The timing of Cade Cunningham’s return adds another layer to that stability, even though he has only appeared in two games since coming back. After missing 11 games with a collapsed lung, he returned against the Milwaukee Bucks and immediately produced, finishing with a double-double in limited minutes. His role right now is less about volume and more about control, helping organize possessions and bring structure back to the offense. Detroit hasn’t rushed him, instead allowing him to ease into rhythm before the playoffs begin. Even in a short sample, the difference in composure with him on the floor is noticeable.
What makes this group different is how little they rely on one player to function. During Cunningham’s absence, the Pistons went 8-3 and continued to produce offensively with multiple contributors stepping up across the lineup. In his return game, seven different players scored in double figures, showing how balanced the offense has become. That ability to distribute responsibility has been one of the defining traits of their season. It also explains why they’ve been able to maintain a high win total even when key pieces were unavailable. Jalen Duren has been a key part of that consistency, who won't play vs. the Indiana Pacers due to a knee injury, including a 21-point, nine-rebound performance against Milwaukee and multiple high-efficiency scoring nights. Meanwhile, Daniss Jenkins helped control the pace of the offense, and Ausar Thompson contributed defensively, helping anchor one of the league’s most effective units.
As they head into their final regular-season matchup vs. the Pacers, the focus isn’t just on reaching 60 wins, but on maintaining rhythm and health heading into the postseason. Detroit has already proven it can win in different ways, whether through defense, depth, or late-game execution. With their roster nearly back to full strength and roles clearly defined, they enter the playoffs in a strong position. The final game becomes less about the number and more about carrying their identity forward. If that carries over, this team has the foundation to make a serious run.
