J.B. Bickerstaff gets new contract after Pistons overcome 3-1 deficit

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J.B. Bickerstaff gets new contract after Pistons overcome 3-1 deficit

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated May 4, 2026 8:51 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons somehow overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic and advance to the semifinals in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Next up is a series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and one day before Game 1, the Pistons gave head coach J.B. Bickerstaff a new contract extension.

The team announced the news on Monday, although final terms were not disclosed.

Detroit Pistons extend contract of Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff. pic.twitter.com/xvXh23wRrm
— Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) May 4, 2026

The No. 1 seed Pistons were shockingly down to the No. 8 seed Magic three games to one, but Detroit pieced together three straight wins to advance.

On Monday, the Magic announced that head coach Jamahl Mosley was fired, and the expectation is that he will be one of the favorites for the New Orleans Pelicans opening.

Bickerstaff was previously the head coach of the Cavaliers, and he put together a 170-159 record before being fired after the 2023-24 NBA season.

The Pistons had Monty Williams for just one season before he was fired and replaced with Bickerstaff.

And, Bickerstaff has now taken Detroit to two straight playoff appearances, including the franchise’s first playoff series win since 2008.

The Pistons will look to keep the momentum going, and it strangely comes against the team Bickerstaff used to coach.

Game 1 is on Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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