The Detroit Pistons enter their March 25, 2025, matchup against the San Antonio Spurs with a renewed sense of purpose and momentum. After enduring several seasons of rebuilding and underwhelming performances, the Pistons have emerged as a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. With a current record of 40-32, they have clinched their first 40-win season since the 2018-19 campaign and are on the verge of securing their first winning season since 2015-16. Central to this resurgence is the exceptional play of point guard Cade Cunningham. In his fourth NBA season, Cunningham has elevated his game to All-Star levels, averaging 25.7 points and 9.2 assists per game. His ability to orchestrate the offense, coupled with his scoring prowess, has been instrumental in the Pistons’ success. Cunningham’s leadership on and off the court has galvanized a young roster, instilling a winning mentality that has been absent in Detroit for years. Complementing Cunningham’s efforts is center Jalen Duren, who has emerged as a defensive anchor and rebounding machine. Averaging 10.3 rebounds per game, Duren’s presence in the paint has provided the Pistons with much-needed interior defense and second-chance opportunities on offense. His development has been a bright spot for the team, offering a glimpse into a promising future for Detroit’s frontcourt. The Pistons’ starting lineup is further bolstered by the contributions of Tim Hardaway Jr., Ausar Thompson, and Tobias Harris. Hardaway Jr. brings veteran scoring and spacing on the perimeter, offering Cunningham a reliable outlet on kick-outs and secondary scoring possessions. Thompson, a rising young wing, provides elite athleticism and defensive versatility, often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best perimeter scorer while also showing flashes of transition brilliance and improved three-point shooting. Tobias Harris, acquired midseason, has given the Pistons much-needed experience, floor spacing, and a calm, consistent offensive presence at the forward position. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down mid-range shots has helped balance Detroit’s offensive attack, which is currently averaging 111.8 points per game.

Under head coach Monty Williams, the Pistons have adopted a more disciplined, defensively-oriented style of play, ranking top ten in opponent field goal percentage and demonstrating improved communication on switches and help rotations. The coaching staff’s emphasis on defensive integrity has allowed players like Thompson and Duren to thrive, creating a cohesive unit that excels in limiting second-chance points and fast-break opportunities for opponents. Offensively, Detroit’s execution has also taken a leap, with more efficient ball movement and less reliance on isolation-heavy sets. The Pistons are averaging over 24 assists per game, a testament to the improved chemistry between Cunningham and his supporting cast. Special teams performance has further boosted Detroit’s season outlook. The Pistons’ free throw shooting has hovered above 77%, and their perimeter defense has held opponents to just 34.8% from deep, thanks in part to their length and closeout discipline. In recent weeks, their ability to defend the three-point line has been critical in close wins, and it will be an essential factor against a Spurs team that has multiple perimeter threats. Additionally, Detroit has capitalized on late-game scenarios, closing tight contests with poise—something that had eluded them in prior years. The Pistons’ home-court advantage has also been felt, as they’ve gone 22-14 at Little Caesars Arena this season. With the fanbase re-energized and the team finally giving them a reason to believe, the atmosphere has grown into one of support and expectation. Detroit will look to ride that energy against a Spurs squad missing key players and navigating rotation instability. The Pistons know they cannot afford to overlook a San Antonio team that still has veteran leadership in Chris Paul and gritty young players like Jeremy Sochan. This game serves not only as a chance to further solidify Detroit’s playoff positioning but also as a statement opportunity to show they can take care of business against struggling teams. It’s these types of games—against non-playoff opponents—that playoff-bound teams must dominate, and the Pistons are beginning to understand that responsibility. With Cunningham leading the way, strong interior presence from Duren, and reliable support from the wings, Detroit appears well-positioned to extend their strong run. A victory here would push them even closer to their first postseason appearance in years, validating the franchise’s patient rebuild and showcasing the evolution of one of the NBA’s youngest and most promising rosters.