Pistons Clinch Playoffs, LeBron Nears Record & NBA Playoff Race Heats Up – March 21, 2026

Pistons Clinch Playoff Berth, LeBron Eyes Milestone in Busy NBA Saturday

The Detroit Pistons are heading back to the playoffs, securing their spot as the first team from the Eastern Conference to do so. Jalen Duren led the way with 23 points and 6 rebounds in Detroit’s 115-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors, a win that underscored the remarkable turnaround for a franchise that finished last in the East just two seasons ago. The Pistons’ 51-19 record represents the fourth-best 70-game start in franchise history, trailing only their championship seasons of 1988-89 and 1989-90, and the 2005-06 team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

Detroit’s success isn’t solely built on scoring; they currently lead the league in both steals (10.5) and blocks (6.3) per game, amassing 737 swipes and 442 rejections through 70 games – numbers not seen since the 1982-83 season. Even without the presence of All-Star Cade Cunningham due to a lung injury, the Pistons have maintained their momentum, winning six of their last seven games.

“We’re not done,” Duren said after the game. “But from where we started till now, I’m proud of everyone that’s been a part of it. The guys who were here my first two years (31-133), that went through what we went through, and to be here now… I’m just proud of how we keep fighting through adversity.” Coach J.B. Bickerstaff echoed that sentiment, praising the team’s spirit, and resilience.

Elsewhere in the East, the Boston Celtics and Novel York Knicks too secured wins to remain in contention. The Celtics overcame a tough road battle against the Memphis Grizzlies, winning 117-112 thanks to a 30-point performance from Jaylen Brown and a late surge fueled by 11 fourth-quarter points from Luka Garza. The Knicks edged the Brooklyn Nets 93-92 in a tightly contested game, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way with 26 points and 15 rebounds.

West Coast Action: Rockets Halt Hawks, Nuggets Rally, Blazers Edge Wolves

In the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets brought an end to the Atlanta Hawks’ impressive 11-game winning streak with a decisive 117-95 victory. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 25 points and 6 assists, while Jabari Smith Jr. Added 23 points and 9 rebounds. Alperen Sengun nearly recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds. The win is particularly significant for Durant, who is now just 26 points away from surpassing Michael Jordan for fifth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

The Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers also secured victories. Denver rallied to defeat an opponent, while Portland edged the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-104 on a game-winning three-pointer from Jerami Grant. The Blazers’ win moves them ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers for eighth place in the West.

LeBron on the Verge of History, Lakers Look to Continue Winning Streak

Tonight’s NBA TV doubleheader features a compelling matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic, and a showdown between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks. However, all eyes will be on LeBron James, who is set to become the all-time leader in regular season games played. The Lakers are also riding an eight-game winning streak, fueled by the stellar play of Luka Dončić, who is averaging 40.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists during this stretch.

Dončić’s recent performances have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats. He is one of only five players in NBA history to average 40+ points over an eight-game win streak, joining Michael Jordan, Elgin Baylor, James Harden, and Wilt Chamberlain. His combined totals of 327 points, 71 rebounds, and 59 assists over these eight games are also among the best in NBA history.

“You see everybody celebrating on the bench, it shows that we care a lot about each other,” Dončić said. “Just makes my heart happy… That is the best feeling.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick highlighted the team’s belief and resilience, particularly given the challenges of a recent back-to-back schedule. “I feel there’s just a high level of belief right now and they all want to play,” Redick said. “That’s just leadership right there.”

League Pass Spotlight: KD Closing in on MJ

As Kevin Durant chases Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, NBA.com’s Shaun Powell notes the diversity of Durant’s scoring arsenal. “How many players secure the chance to top Michael Jordan in anything basketball-related?” Powell writes. “Durant is among the handful of elites who can score a variety of ways — at the rim, mid-range, 3-pointers, off the dribble, catch and shoot… That explains the Kevin Durant experience.”

Jamal Crawford’s Mailbag: Insights from a Veteran

In his latest mailbag, NBA veteran Jamal Crawford answered fan questions on a variety of topics, including LeBron James, the Boston Celtics, and the challenge of scoring on Victor Wembanyama. When asked about facing LeBron in his prime, Crawford recalled a memorable play at Madison Square Garden. “I thought it was a guard with how fast he was,” Crawford said. “I don’t think he dribbled more than once or twice, and he seemed to dunk it from the free throw line.”

Regarding the challenge of scoring on Wembanyama, Crawford suggested using a combination of dribble moves and a deep three-point shot to exploit the rookie’s length and athleticism.