Pistons clinch No. 1 seed in East for first time since 2007 in win over 76ers

Atlantic76ersCelticsKnicksNetsRaptorsCentralBucksBullsCavaliersPacersPistonsSoutheastHawksHeatHornetsMagicWizardsSouthwestGrizzliesMavericksPelicansRocketsSpursNorthwestJazzNuggetsThunderTimberwolvesTrail BlazersPacificClippersKingsLakersSunsWarriorsScores & ScheduleStandingsThe Bounce NewsletterNBA DraftPodcastsFantasyNBA OddsNBA PicksAll-Defensive, All-Rookie Awards WatchPlayoff Matchups As Of TodayInside NBA Sneaker CultureHistory of NBA GrowthNBA Season Daniss Jenkins has helped guide the Pistons to an 8-2 record since Cade Cunningham went down in March. Eric Hartline / Imagn Images Share full article4PHILADELPHIA — For the first time since 2007, the Detroit Pistons have claimed the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed. They last sat atop the East heading into the postseason when the late Flip Saunders patrolled the sidelines and Rip Hamilton was the Pistons’ leading scorer. Ron Holland II wasn’t even two years old yet, and Tobias Harris — the oldest player on Detroit’s roster this season — hadn’t yet turned 15. Saturday’s 116-93 win over the Philadelphia 76ers marks the first time in nearly 20 years the Pistons (57-21) earned the first seed and further underscores just how drastic their turnaround has been over the last two seasons. It also ensures they will have home-court advantage through at least the Eastern Conference Finals — should Detroit make it that far. Ahead of the game, J.B. Bickerstaff spoke on what home court would mean for his squad after going into the playoffs last year as the sixth seed. “To be able to be comfortable in your routine, to be able to play in front of your home fans. All those things are important,” Bickerstaff said. “But remember last year we won both our games on the road. So you’re going to have to get it done on the road no matter what at some point. You have to have the mental toughness to be able to do that. But to start a series at home, in front of your fans is always beneficial.” Daniss Jenkins, who has helped guide the Pistons to an 8-2 record since Cade Cunningham went down with a left lung pneumothorax on March 17, continued his stellar play. The second-year guard notched his third double-double of the season with 16 points on 2-of-5 from long range, 14 assists and just one turnover. Jalen Duren added 16 points and seven rebounds. And Harris, who was booed each time he touched the ball and had his dad sitting courtside, poured in 19 points of his own with four steals. Detroit just continues to exceed expectations, as it has since the beginning of last season. The Pistons clinched the Central Division title for the first time since 2008 in Tuesday’s win over the Toronto Raptors. They’re now locked in as the No. 1 seed in the East after proving they were the best team in the conference all season. And they have a real shot at notching 60 wins for only the third time in franchise history. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Hunter Patterson is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Pistons. Before joining the NBA staff, Hunter was an editor on The Athletic's news desk and provided occasional Sacramento Kings coverage. Prior to The Athletic, he worked for the NBA as a broadcasting assistant. Hunter graduated from Loyola Marymount University and earned his master's degree in Specialized Journalism at the University of Southern California.