How did Pistons end up at top of Eastern Conference?

Two months into the 2025-26 season, the Detroit Pistons are 21-5, perched atop the NBA Eastern Conference standings. They have exceeded the expectations of just about everybody, and it appears that this remarkable start is no fluke. What is the secret sauce that has the Pistons soaring?

GM Trajan Langdon has made good moves

With the hiring of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff last season and the free-agent signings of Duncan Robinson, Javonte Green and Caris LeVert last offseason, Langdon has added pieces that fit perfectly. Team chemistry is obvious, and all the moving parts are working in sync, churning out victories.

Defensively, Pistons are elite

The Pistons play hard-nosed team defense, and not just occasionally. They tie for second in blocks per game (5.9), are fourth in steals (9.7) and second in rebounds (46.2). Their defensive rating (111.8) trails only that of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and they are yielding 113.5 points per game, which is the fifth-best mark in the Association. 

Pistons may be the deepest team in NBA

It is no exaggeration to suggest that the Pistons are 12 players deep, and a recent game confirmed it. In a 142-115 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 12, seven players scored at least 10 points, and 12 players scored at least seven points, tying an NBA record. The Pistons bench features good defenders like veterans Isaiah Stewart and Green and explosive scorers like LeVert and Jaden Ivey, giving it versatility and confidence.

Cade Cunningham has developed into a closer

In addition to averaging 27.1 points, 9.2 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game, Cade Cunningham is clutch. When the Pistons need a bucket to make up a deficit, take the lead or seal a win, Cunningham can get it. 

According to StatMuse, he is averaging 9.2 fourth-quarter points, fourth-best in the NBA. With a methodical process that refuses to be hurried, he can break down defenses, create his own shot and finish. In the waning minutes of a 112-105 defeat of the Boston Celtics on Monday, Cunningham did exactly that, slamming the door on the C’s.