Are the Pistons the Next Thunder? Detroit’s Rise Demands Respect
Alright, let’s talk about the Detroit Pistons—yes, those Pistons. The team that’s been stuck in the NBA’s basement for years is suddenly one of the most exciting stories of the season. And now, people are starting to ask: Are they the next Oklahoma City Thunder? Sounds crazy, right? But maybe not.
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Last night, Detroit took down the defending champion Boston Celtics with a dominant 117-97 win. That’s eight straight victories for the Pistons, something they haven’t done since 2008 . And this isn’t some fluke run. They’re playing smart, disciplined basketball under J.B. Bickerstaff, who has completely changed the culture of this team.
Cade Cunningham is leading the charge. He’s no longer just putting up nice numbers—he’s running the show like a true franchise player. He dropped 21 points and 11 assists last night, but it’s not just about his stats. It’s about his control, his leadership, his ability to close games. Then there’s Malik Beasley, who’s on fire from three, and rookie Ausar Thompson, who is quickly becoming a defensive menace. Even Tobias Harris, who fans love to criticize, is playing a key role.
And the numbers back it all up. Under Monty Williams last season? 14 wins, worst record in the league, longest losing streak in NBA history. This season? They’re on pace for 46 wins. Their offense jumped from 27th in the league to 13th, and their defense improved from 25th to 11th. That’s not just a little progress—it’s a transformation.
Now, comparing them to the Thunder is bold. OKC is a legit title contender this season, while the Pistons are still climbing. But look at the path: The Thunder went from 22 wins to 24, then to 40, and now they’re elite. Detroit? They were at 14 wins last year. Now they’re competitive. If their young core keeps developing, they could be a real threat in the East in the next couple of years.
So yeah, maybe calling the Pistons the “next Thunder” is a little premature. But one thing’s for sure—this team isn’t a joke anymore. Detroit basketball is back, and the NBA better start paying attention.
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