Nearly two years ago, the Detroit Pistons concluded a four-game trip in Philadelphia with a 120-102 loss to the 76ers. The loss occurred during the challenging 2023-24 season on April 9, 2024, and the Pistons finished with a 14-68 record. Not only did they have the worst record in the Eastern Conference, but also worst in the entire NBA.
On Saturday night at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, the Pistons notched their third consecutive victory in Philadelphia with a 116-93 win over the 76ers. The victory improved Detroit’s overall record to 57-21 and, more importantly, secured the Pistons the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2026 NBA playoffs. The path to the NBA Finals in the East will now have to go through the Motor City.
“Take a moment to reflect on where we have been, and the work we have put in to get here, but understanding that this isn’t the finish,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “To grow the way this group has grown as quickly as it has, it’s special. But we have more food to eat.”
BOX SCORE: Pistons 116, 76ers 93
Securing the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs is a testament to the Pistons’ growth since their dismal season two years ago.
Their ability to perform well without Cade Cunningham has been one of the clearest indicators of their progress. After his injury, which involved a collapsed left lung, the victory allowed them to improve to 8-2 in games the All-NBA guard had been sidelined for. The game against the 76ers also marked Isaiah Stewart’s 12th consecutive absence because of a left calf strain.
“We are the definition of the word team,” Bickerstaff said. “We are not just a bunch of individuals who are in the locker room. When we play together, because of the way we defend, we have enough guys offensively who can generate offense for us, but we are a team. Obviously, we miss Cade and Stew; we understand their impact. But what you have seen from this group of guys, no one is trying to be anything they are not. They are just trying to be the best version of themselves.”
Daniss Jenkins delivered an impressive performance, showing how the Pistons have stayed competitive without their star guard. He notched a double-double with 16 points, 14 assists and one turnover. He came into the game averaging 19.3 points and 7.0 assists as Detroit’s starting point guard in place of Cunningham.
Jenkins’ performance was particularly impressive as he scored 13 points and provided eight assists in the first half, especially considering Jalen Duren’s lackluster start. The All-Star center played despite dealing with an illness that had made him questionable before the game. After overcoming a slow start, he finished the night with 16 points and seven rebounds.
“We take pride in being the most together. Through the ups and the downs, we lean on each other,” Duren said. “We really take brotherhood seriously. J.B. came in and placed an expectation, and this is where we expected to be — one of the better teams in the league.”
Tobias Harris has played a significant role in the Pistons’ resurgence since leaving Philadelphia on July 24. The 15-year veteran recently overcame a left hip contusion that cut his game short against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. He led the way in his return with a team-best 19 points, shooting 7 of 13 from the field.
In total, seven players scored in double figures for Detroit. Duncan Robinson and Ron Holland II each added 11 points, while Paul Reed finished with 10.
Playing the second night of a back-to-back, Philadelphia was without Joel Embiid. As a result, Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 23 points, while Paul George added 20 points, to go with five rebounds and four assists.
The last time the Pistons entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference was 2007. Detroit finished the regular season with a 53-29 record and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, but fell in six games to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“It means the world, we have the best fans in the league, and they have been behind us ever since I got here,” Duren said. “Through the ups and the downs, they always support us. They deserve it, and the city deserves it. We have a long way to go and a lot more to accomplish.”
Observations and notes
Everybody eats: Seven players scored in double figures, showcasing the Pistons’ effective ball movement. They finished the game with 33 assists. Alongside Jenkins, Kevin Huerter added six assists to the team’s efforts.
“We wanted diversity in our offense, we wanted everyone to feel that they can get a touch,” Bickerstaff said. “The more we move the ball, the more we are a much better basketball team. You move the basketball, and everyone is going to get a chance to eat.”
The man who could do everything: Ausar Thompson continues to demonstrate why he is one of the best all-around performers in the league today. With 14 points on the night, Thompson finished with five rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block.
Defense wins championships: The Pistons had one of their best defensive quarters of the season during the final 12 minutes against the 76ers. They held Philadelphia to 12 points during the fourth quarter, allowing the team to shoot 5 of 20 from the field and 0 of 6 from behind the arc.
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons beat 76ers, are top seed in East for first time since 2007
Reporting by Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
