The Detroit Pistons secured their first Central Division championship since the 2007-08 season, powering past the Toronto Raptors 127-116 on Tuesday night.
Jalen Duren dominated with 31 points on an efficient 12-of-13 shooting, adding nine rebounds to lead the charge in Detroit. Daniss Jenkins, who began the year on a two-way contract, stepped up with 21 points and five assists while filling in as the starting point guard. The victory marked a pivotal moment for a franchise that had endured lean years, including a 14-68 record and a league-record-tying 28-game losing streak just two seasons prior.
This triumph caps a strong recent surge for the Pistons, who have won seven of their last nine games. With the division crown locked in, Detroit holds a commanding 56-21 record atop the Central, seven games ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers at 48-29.
The last time Detroit ruled the Central was during a remarkable run of four straight titles from 2004-08, a period that included an NBA championship in 2004. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Duren’s impact, calling him exceptionally talented after the standout performance. The team enters the late season with two All-Stars in Cade Cunningham and Duren, though Cunningham sat out this game due to a lung injury.
Pistons coach Bickerstaff highlighted the significance of ending the long drought, noting the hard work that turned around the franchise’s fortunes. This division title guarantees Detroit a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, providing home-court advantage in the opening round. As the regular season winds down, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum and preparing for postseason battles, where their balanced scoring and defensive grit could propel them deep into the playoffs.
For the second straight year, your Detroit Pistons are going to the @NBA playoffs. pic.twitter.com/Se6VHQ3QAB
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) March 21, 2026
