The Detroit Pistons are experiencing a resurgence after years of underperformance. Following their last Eastern Conference Final appearance in 2008, the team faced the worst record in the NBA and numerous playoff defeats. However, they have made notable improvements this season, presenting themselves as a competitive force in the league. This season's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves witnessed chaos that resulted in multiple ejections, yet despite the distraction, the Pistons have secured a playoff position, likely to face Indiana in the first round, which appears winnable.
Becoming A Contender is difficult business, filled with missteps, false starts, cul-de-sacs and distractions, and it is never more difficult than when a team that has been on power suck for most of the last decade and a half suddenly finds itself in other people's late-season business.
But they're back this year, having carved out one of the greatest year-to-year improvements in NBA history and rebranding themselves as first rate shit-stirrers in a conference that can use all the televisual irritants it can get.
Anyway, five players and two coaches were ejected for their roles in the grand distraction, and we say distraction because the Pistons led by 10, 39-29, when the twigs snapped.
The loss didn't really much matter. They've essentially locked in a playoff spot, and more specifically look likelier than ever to face Indiana in the first round, a winnable series.
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