The Pistons are back in the NBA Playoffs for the first time in six years, and while one drought is finally over, another looms even larger in Detroit.
Even though the Pistons’ last playoff berth came in 2019, Detroit was left winless in postseason play for nearly two decades. Yes, you’re reading that correctly — not a playoff series, a playoff game.
Detroit might be an underdog in its first-round series with New York, but the Pistons have an opportunity to rewrite history and do away with one of the NBA’s more dubious streaks.
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Here is a look back at Detroit’s infamous streak of playoff losses and when it last won a playoff game.
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Pistons playoff wins drought, explained
Prior to Monday’s result — a decisive victory vs. the Knicks — the Pistons dropped 15 consecutive playoff games.
Detroit has been swept in each of its past three playoff series and lost two consecutive games to get eliminated from the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.
Pistons last playoff win
The Pistons exercised their postseason demons against New York on April 21, overcoming a late Knicks rally to down Tom Thibodeau’s side, 100-94 — and collect their first postseason victory in 17 years.
The Pistons’ last playoff win came over the Celtics in Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals on May 26, 2008.
In that game, Antonio McDyess led Detroit with 21 points and 16 rebounds, and Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton each dished out seven assists. That year, the Pistons won two playoff series — they defeated the 76ers in the first round and the Magic in the conference semifinals.
Pistons NBA Playoffs losing streak
In 2019, 2016, and 2009, Detroit was the East’s No. 8 seed facing the conference’s top team. In 2008, it was the No. 2 seed that had advanced to the East Finals.
Here’s a look at each series and loss of the Pistons’ unfortunate run.
| Series | Date | Game | Streak |
| 2025 First Round (No. 3 Knicks 1, No. 6 Pistons 0) | April 21, 2025 | Pistons 100, Knicks 94 | W1 |
| April 19, 2025 | Knicks 123, Pistons 112 | L15 | |
| 2019 First Round (No. 1 Bucks 4, No. 8 Pistons 0) | April 22, 2019 | Bucks 127, Pistons 104 | L14 |
| April 20, 2019 | Bucks 119, Pistons 103 | L13 | |
| April 17, 2019 | Bucks 120, Pistons 99 | L12 | |
| April 14, 2019 | Bucks 121, Pistons 86 | L11 | |
| 2016 First Round (No. 1 Cavaliers 4, No. 8 Pistons 0) | April 24, 2016 | Cavaliers 100, Pistons 89 | L10 |
| April 22, 2016 | Cavaliers 101, Pistons 91 | L9 | |
| April 20, 2016 | Cavaliers 107, Pistons 90 | L8 | |
| April 17, 2016 | Cavaliers 106, Pistons 101 | L7 | |
| 2009 First Round (No. 1 Cavaliers 4, No. 8 Pistons 0) | April 26, 2009 | Cavaliers 99, Pistons 78 | L6 |
| April 24, 2009 | Cavaliers 79, Pistons 68 | L5 | |
| April 21, 2009 | Cavaliers 94, Pistons 82 | L4 | |
| April 18, 2009 | Cavaliers 102, Pistons 84 | L3 | |
| 2008 Eastern Conference Finals (No. 1 Celtics 4, No. 2 Pistons 2) | May 30, 2008 | Celtics 89, Pistons 81 | L2 |
| May 28, 2008 | Celtics 106, Pistons 102 | L1 |
