While having Cade Cunningham is nice, the Detroit Pistons are getting contribution from other players, and just as important, the team has a strong offensive identity while being a very good defensive team. In the offensive end, the Pistons have improved on paint dominance, and it has stemmed from the steadying hand of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, and despite a rash of injuries, the team boasts a top-10 defense.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 21: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks takes a shot against Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 21, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The defense: The growth and development of Ausar Thompson can not be understated. Isiah Stewart is also chipping in, giving Detroit two defenders who can match up against multiple positions because of their athleticism as well as being versatile. Jalen Duren is providing tough interior defense and has shone late in games. The Pistons have a franchise history of playing tough defense, and the fans expect it; that comes with the franchise. The team is currently ranked third in defense in the NBA.
The offense: Make no mistake, this is Cade Cunningham’s team, and the success starts with him and he has full bought into that notion. That said, the Pistons put pressure on the rim and have established paint dominance, which is key to the offensive output. Even when Cunningham is not scoring a lot of points, the system is allowing other players to step up and be key factors in team wins. The Pistons are currently ranked 10th in offense.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 11: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on April 11, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
The x-factor: J.B. Bickerstaff has deployed a team-first mentality focused on giving maximum effort game in and game out, no let-up. The team has total buy-in on Bickerstaff’s philosophy to the point that still developing players like Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green not only understand their roles but are playing at critical points of games.
The Detroit Pistons are playing well and are a team on the rise. Yet they feel like they have not fully arrived, which could be a crazy thing to say. The team still feels like it has not hit full stride, which is good news for fans and bad news for the rest of the NBA.
