A blowout win in the City of Brotherly Love was all the Detroit Pistons needed to do in order to officially accomplish their final regular-season goal.
With the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Pistons center Jalen Duren reflected on the moment following the game.
âIt means the world,” Duren told reporters after the game.
“We got the best fans in the league, and theyâve been behind us ever since I got here. Through the ups and through the downs, they supported us. They deserve it, man. The city deserves it. We’ve got a long way to go. A lot more to do. A lot more to accomplish, but weâre going to enjoy this tonight.â
A Long Journey For The Pistons
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 28: Isaiah Stewart #28 and Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate their win against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena on March 28, 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Duren arrived in Detroit after getting selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He was traded twice on draft night, with the Pistons securing his rights.
During his rookie season, Duren started half of his games. By year two, he was a full-time starter on a Pistons team that was recognized as the laughingstock of the league.
In 2023-2024, the Pistons had just 14 wins. The future seemed dark, but their 2024-2025 turnaround under JB Bickerstaff was nothing short of fantastic.
Last season, the Pistons managed to crack the playoffs with the sixth seed. That alone was impressive. In 2025-2026, the Pistons have held control over the East throughout the majority of the year.
Duren, along with Cade Cunningham, made the NBA All-Star Game. For the star center, it was his first appearance.
Heading into the Saturday night action in Philly, Duren was posting averages of 19.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 blocks per game.
Who Could The Pistons Face In The NBA Playoffs?
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 09: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons dunks the ball during the first half of a basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 09, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 David Jensen/Getty Images)
Being the No. 1 seed, the Pistons won’t find out their opponent until the end of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
While the Tournament participants are nearly set, four teams will battle for the final two seeds. A Pistons win over the Sixers placed Philly back in the seventh seed, making them an option. The Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, and the Miami Heat will hit the Play-In, with the Toronto Raptors in the hunt.
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