Ausar Thompson

There would be no greater way to illustrate the stark contrast between seasons for the Detroit Pistons than to split screen the two last-second 3-point shots Cade Cunningham launched from the same spot of the same court in separate games against the same opponent, the Miami Heat.

View the photo gallery for Shots from the Court: Week 21 on NBA.com.

If you know someone who doesn’t follow the NBA much but is curious about the turnaround of the Pistons and, more specifically, J.B. Bickerstaff’s role in its execution, you’ll want to show them the 90-second postgame “press conference” that encompassed one question and one very passionate response.

The Pistons’ turnaround from being one of the worst teams in league history to being in firm control of a playoff spot has garnered praise from national voice.

Before Tuesday’s 20-point win over Washington, J.B. Bickerstaff spoke of an underappreciated but monumental transformation of mindset his team has managed over the course of its season – staying focused on the building blocks of winning, not looking ahead, not dwelling on yesterday’s moments of glory or anguish.

View the photo gallery for Shots from the Court: Week 20 on NBA.com.

When they chronicle the 2024-25 Pistons season, Sunday’s 119-112 win over Portland probably won’t make the highlight reel.