Detroit, April 5: Nearly two years ago, the Detroit Pistons wrapped up a four-game road trip in Philadelphia with a 120-102 defeat against the 76ers. This loss came during the challenging 2023-24 season on April 9, 2024, marking another disappointing year for the Pistons, who ended with a 13-66 record. They not only had the worst record in the Eastern Conference but also in the entire NBA.
On Saturday night at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, the Pistons achieved their third consecutive victory in Philadelphia, defeating the 76ers 116-93. This win 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 this June will now go through the Motor City.
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 a clear indicator of their progress. Following his injury, which involved a collapsed left lung, the team improved to 8-2 in the games he has missed.
Daniss Jenkins delivered an impressive performance, showcasing how the Pistons remained competitive without their star guard. He achieved a double-double with 16 points, 14 assists, and no turnovers. Jenkins entered the game averaging 19.3 points and 7.0 assists as Detroit’s starting point guard in Cunningham’s absence.
Jenkins’ performance was particularly notable as he scored 13 points and provided eight assists in the first half, especially considering Jalen Duren’s slow start. Duren, an All-Star center, played despite dealing with an illness that had made him questionable before the game. After a sluggish beginning, he finished with 16 points and seven rebounds.
Tobias Harris has played a significant role in the Pistons’ resurgence since leaving Philadelphia on July 24. The 15-year veteran forward recently overcame a left hip contusion that limited his play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Despite this setback, he led the team with 19 points, shooting 7 of 13 from the field.
The last time the Pistons entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference was in 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.
Due to the 76ers playing on the second night of a back-to-back, Philadelphia was without Joel Embiid. Consequently, Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 23 points, while Paul George contributed 20 points, along with five rebounds and four assists.
Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons is checked by Andre Drummond of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half.
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