Detroit Pistons massive win improvement is an NBA historical masterclass

The Detroit Pistons have clinched their spot in the NBA playoffs.

It's an achievement that puts a stamp on one of the league's most remarkable and historic season-over-season turnarounds.

And we have the data to prove it.

No team in NBA history has ever tripled their win total. The Pistons have done that, going from a franchise-worst 14-68 record in 2023-24 to 43-35 with four games remaining after Saturday night's 109- 103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Pistons' 29-win improvement currently ranks sixth in NBA history, three wins away from the top five turnarounds of all time.

Greatest single-season win improvement in NBA history

Here are the most wins by a team from one season to the next, not including a strike-shortened season:

  • *2007-08 Boston Celtics: 42-win increase (24 to 66).
  • 1997-98 San Antonio Spurs: 36 (20 to 56).
  • 1989-90 San Antonio Spurs: 35 (21 to 56).
  • 2004-05 Phoenix Suns: 33 (29 to 62).
  • 1979-80 Boston Celtics: 32 (29 to 61).
  • **2024-25 Detroit Pistons: 29 (14 to 43).
  • 1969-70 Milwaukee Bucks: 29 (27 to 56).

*Won NBA championship

**Pistons have four games remaining in the season this week: home vs. Kings, home vs. Knicks, home vs. Bucks, at Bucks.

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