The Detroit Pistons have officially clinched their first NBA playoff spot since 2019, defeating the Toronto Raptors 117-105 at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night. The victory not only secures the Pistons a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs but also marks a significant turnaround for a franchise that has struggled in recent years.
With this win, the Pistons improved their record to 43-34, solidifying their position in fifth place in the East, half a game ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks and three games behind the Indiana Pacers. This marks the fourth time the Pistons have made the playoffs since their last Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2008, and they will look to end a 14-game postseason losing streak that dates back to that time.
Detroit entered the game with high stakes, needing just one win or one loss from the Orlando Magic to guarantee their postseason berth. The Raptors, on the other hand, had already been eliminated from playoff contention and were looking to play spoiler in front of their home fans.
Despite the Raptors’ efforts, the Pistons showcased their strength throughout the game. They jumped out to a strong start, leading 31-25 after the first quarter. The Raptors managed to stay competitive, trailing by just four points at halftime. However, the Pistons pulled away in the second half, outscoring Toronto 33-25 in the third quarter and maintaining their lead in the fourth.
Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Pistons with 23 points, contributing significantly to their offense. Ausar Thompson also had a standout performance, adding 20 points, while Dennis Schröder contributed 15 points and 7 assists. The Pistons shot 48.6% from the field and were particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 15 of their 35 three-point attempts.
For the Raptors, Immanuel Quickley led the scoring with 27 points, shooting 10-of-20 from the field. RJ Barrett added 18 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pistons’ balanced attack. Toronto struggled defensively, allowing Detroit to shoot efficiently and capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
The Raptors came into this game after a disappointing 112-103 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers the previous night, and the fatigue from back-to-back games showed in their performance. Coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, “We’ve been dealing with injuries and inconsistencies all season. It’s tough to compete at this level with the roster we have right now.”
The Pistons’ victory not only clinches their playoff spot but also serves as a testament to their resilience this season. After finishing with just 14 wins last year, they have tripled their win total and secured a winning record for only the second time in the past 17 years.
Looking ahead, the Pistons are set to face the New York Knicks in the playoffs, a matchup that could prove pivotal. The Pistons currently lead the season series against the Knicks 2-1, and with their recent form, they will be looking to extend their success into the postseason.
As for the Raptors, the focus shifts to rebuilding for next season. With a record of 28-50, they will be looking to make significant changes in the offseason to improve their chances for a more competitive campaign next year.
In the end, the Pistons' victory over the Raptors signifies not just a win in the standings but a crucial step toward redemption for a franchise that has faced its share of struggles in recent years. As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Detroit to see if they can finally break their postseason losing streak and make a mark in the playoffs.
