The Detroit Pistons had a great season in 2025-2026. Cade Cunningham and his team will finish in first place within the Eastern Conference.
While that’s a massive jump even from last year, when they finished sixth in the conference, the Pistons remain hungry.
Following Detroit’s Friday night win over the Charlotte Hornets, Cunningham dropped an honest quote on his mindset heading into the regular season finale.
The message was clear: the season went well, but the journey is ongoing.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 29: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after a second half basket while playing the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on October 29, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
âI went in with no expectations, to be honest,” Cunningham told reporters.
“I went in just trying to be better than last year, not knowing where that would take us or what that would look like, and to what extent it would go. Iâm pleased with where weâre at, but Iâm not really satisfied. Itâs been a great year so far. Now, weâre where we want to be, which is the playoffs. The real grind starts.â
The Pistons Have Championship Dreams
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 09: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 09, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
When the Pistons made the NBA Playoffs last season, they were unexpected visitors. This time around, they are the top dogs.
Still motivated after last year’s first-round loss against the New York Knicks, the Pistons have championship dreams after years of sitting near the bottom.
Cade Cunningham was one of the very benefits of the “tanking” years, but the Pistons are leaving all of that in the rearview. They have proven they can compete with the best of them. Now, they have three series to go before it can be considered a title run this year.
What’s Next For The Pistons?
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Sunday’s action against the Indiana Pacers will be the season finale.
Win or lose, nothing changes for the Pistons. They are going to enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Soon, they will find out their first-round opponent. They will be decided during the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The No. 9 and No. 10 seeds will be the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets. They are two potential candidates to face the Pistons.
The Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and the Toronto Raptors are in the mix as well.
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